LMCC Creative Engagement 2027: Manhattan Digital and Media Art Projects Eligible
The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) is accepting applications for Creative Engagement, a 2027 Manhattan Arts Grants programme funding public arts projects in Manhattan. The opportunity is open across artistic disciplines, not solely digital art: media artists, moving-image practitioners and creators of digital installations can assess eligibility when their proposals include a suitable public-facing presentation.
Who is eligible?
Creative Engagement is a local programme for Manhattan-based individual artists, collectives and eligible nonprofit arts organisations in Manhattan Community Districts 1–12. It is not an unrestricted international residency or an opportunity for artists anywhere in the world. Prospective applicants should check the programme-specific eligibility quiz and current official guidelines, including address, organisation type and funding history requirements.
The programme supports projects that connect with communities in Manhattan. Proposals should identify a public event or engagement component to be held in Manhattan in the period January–December 2027, rather than a purely private studio project.
Grant amount and dates
LMCC lists a 2027 Creative Engagement award range of $1,000 to $20,000. Applications opened on 8 September 2026 and must be submitted by 12 November 2026 at 6:00pm Eastern Standard Time (New York local time). The organiser lists 5 April 2027 as the notification date. The award depends on eligibility, available funding sources and a competitive assessment.
What kinds of digital or media-art projects may fit?
The programme funds public arts programming such as exhibitions, public art, screenings, performances, festivals and workshops. For digital-media artists, the important distinction is between a public event or audience-facing experience and producing digital content with no public presentation. Site-specific or interactive media-art exhibitions, public screenings and artist-led events may fit, subject to the complete rules and project specifics.
The Creative Engagement FAQ explains that making an app, video or audio work only to upload it online, with no active public engagement with the artist or work, is ineligible. Online programming must address an audience-engagement need and enable real-time or active participation. The programme also clarifies that standalone media/new-media projects do not qualify for the Howard Gilman Foundation component of the funding; this restriction should not be confused with a blanket ban on applying to Creative Engagement through other eligible funding streams.
Application and supporting information
LMCC uses the Submittable platform for applications. The organiser publishes separate guidance and application previews in English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, while the application itself and live support are conducted in English. Applicants should prepare a clear public-project description, activity dates, creative team, suitable examples of prior artistic work and a realistic project budget, following the current forms and guidelines.
An eligibility quiz at the start of the application helps identify possible funding streams. Eligible applicants should choose the Project Funding track rather than the separate Creative Unrestricted programme, which is limited to performing arts and has different conditions.
Official programme and application
This article provides a summary. To avoid misunderstandings, please be sure to check the official page for full details.
Information verified: 12 October 2026.
A related opportunity for digital artists
Aion Laboratory also organises the Aion Digital Art Prize, a separate competition for digital and media art. Its entry rules and schedule are independent of LMCC's local funding opportunity.
Submit a listing
Paid arts opportunity listings can be requested through Ise-Shima Art, the company behind Aion Laboratory. The English listing enquiry is hosted on the company's Ise-Shima Art site.