Current Fulcrum Fund Cycle
FULCRUM FUND 2026
2026 FULCRUM FUND GUIDELINES
The Fulcrum Fund supports New Mexico–based artists and collectives whose work centers around visual arts, helping them expand existing projects or explore new directions outside traditional museum and gallery systems. It is intended to be a springboard for artistic processes that are experimental and forward thinking, while celebrating projects that may not fit into the traditional museum and gallery systems. Funded projects include experimental venues or collectives, public art projects, performances, publications, online and virtual works, residencies, and film festivals.
Grants are for individual artists creating self-organized artistic activity that can be experienced by the public. Students currently enrolled during the grant cycle, commercial businesses, and 501(c)(3) organizations are not eligible. Artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQIA+, and immigrant are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications are accepted online via Submittable only; emailed or hand-delivered submissions are not accepted. 516 ARTS offers two virtual and one in-person info session to review eligibility, share past examples, and guide applicants through project budgeting.
In 2026, the Fulcrum Fund will distribute $60,000 in grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to support innovative, artist-led projects that inspire curiosity, engagement, and dialogue.
2026 FULCRUM FUND ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must live and work in New Mexico.
- Lead artists do not need to be US citizens, but must have a social security number in order to accept the funds.
- Proposed projects must function primarily within the context of visual art. Artists whose practices are firmly rooted in dance, theatre, music, or industry/feature filmmaking are not eligible to apply.
- Applicants must stage a public-facing event that can be experienced or accessed by the general public.
- NOT eligible are emergency relief requests, 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, commercial businesses and students currently enrolled in an educational institution during the granting period.
2026 FULCRUM FUND TIMELINE
- 10/15/25 – Fulcrum Fund 2026 grant submission opens
- 11/01/25 – Fulcrum Fund Info Session held virtually
- 11/15/25 – Fulcrum Fund Info Session held in-person at 516 Arts
- 12/13/25 – Fulcrum Fund Info Session held virtually
- 12/31/25 – Fulcrum Fund 2026 grant submission closes at 11:59 pm
- 02/21/26 – Fulcrum Fund Jurors to make the final selection
- 03/15/26 – Announcements of awards
2026 FULCRUM FUND JURORS
Each year, 516 ARTS invites respected national curators and museum professionals, academics, cultural workers, and artists to serve as jurors to carefully review all of the proposals. This year’s guest jurors include:
Marissa Del Toro is a curator and art historian of the modern and contemporary art of Latin American, Latinx, and US artists. Her practice explores the histories and realities of colonialism and the ideologies of normative and oppressive power structures. Since 2021, Marissa has worked at Museums Moving Forward and is currently the Director of Programs & Exhibitions at NXTHVN. Originally from Southern California, Marissa holds an MA in Art History from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a BA in Art History from the University of California, Riverside.
Michael Reyes is a native El Pasoan and currently serves as the Senior Curator at the El Paso Museum of Art. He has a BA in English and American Literature with a minor in Museum Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and an MA in Museum Studies from the University of San Francisco. Reyes brings a decade of experience in curatorial, collections care, grant writing, and public outreach. He has held positions at various institutions in California, New Mexico, and Texas with the goal to inspire and represent underserved and underrepresented communities within fine art institutions.
RaeAnne Schad (Cheyenne River Lakota) is an arts administrator, advocate, and performance artist based in Mni Luzahan (Rapid City, SD). Her role as Program Curator at Racing Magpie, a Lakota-centric arts and culture organization, focuses on building community through arts and Lakota culture. She implements and evaluates programs, designs and hosts community gatherings, and collaborates with artists, partners, and community members through her work. Schad holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
2026 FULCRUM FUND QUESTIONS?
Please register for one of the info sessions listed above, or look over the FAQ below. If you still have questions, contact April by email at April – at – 516arts.org with “Fulcrum Fund 2026” in your subject line. Stay tuned for announcements by signing up for our e-newsletter here.