Building Our Future Together

Artist Communities Alliance (ACA) is thrilled to welcome you to Santa Fe, New Mexico for our 2025 Conference. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, New Mexico’s capital has been a gathering place and confluence of trade and cultures for thousands of years. Renowned for its Pueblo-revival and adobe architecture, Santa Fe is home to the second-largest art market in the United States, and hosts the famed International Folk Arts Market, Santa Fe Indian Market, and Native American Artisans Portal Program.

This is ACA’s first in-person conference since 2019, and this year also marks our 35th anniversary. Since its founding, Artist Communities Alliance has held the belief that cultivation of new art and ideas is essential to human progress. The practice of artists and culture bearers holds the power to transform, uplift, and sustain the world. Today, artist communities have never been a more essential component of the arts and culture ecosystem.

This year’s conference theme, Building Our Future Together, is a call to action to all those who share our belief in the power of artists, and of the people who power the artist residency field. Join us to inspire and be inspired, to forge new friendships and collaborations, and to share what we have learned. It is a time to recognize and celebrate all that the field has accomplished in these last 35 years, and to build a way forward, together, for the years ahead.

Full conference schedule and keynote speakers will be announced later this summer.
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We hope that Santa Fe and the surrounding area offers you a soulful respite beyond the conference itself - there are a ton of things to do and indulge in, whatever your tastes!

Hot springs, spa experiences, skiing, museums, galleries, lauded restaurants with varied cuisines, coffee shops, breweries and wineries, shopping, biking, hiking, history and architectural tours, cooking and local farm experiences, or just cozying up by a traditional Kiva fireplace.

To help encourage you in planning a restorative experience for yourself, ACA staff have negotiated steeply discounted rates for conference participants at both of our luxury host hotels, not only for our conference dates, but to be honored up to 3 days before and 3 days after our gathering. (First come first served; book at least 1 month in advance).

One of the things we love about Santa Fe is it truly is a unified small community - it's not a huge city. No single hotel can host all participants -- that's why we have two! Both are considered "luxury" hotels: gorgeous, comfortable, accessible, and with unique charms. Both hotels are in the heart of downtown old town and walking distance for all conference events (mobility access provided). Details for booking will be emailed to you upon registration.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Standard conference tickets are $575 per person, which includes four days of programming, meals between sessions, social activities + networking, additional local opportunities, and discounted hotel rates.

ACA Network members receive a 10% discount. If you haven’t received the promo code or are unsure about your membership status, please email bWVtYmVycyB8IGFydGlzdGNvbW11bml0aWVzICEgb3Jn.

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. To apply, please complete this form

Further details will be released in late summer. Day tickets are not available. Travel costs are not included. Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis—please email us if you need to discuss.

Accessibility: ACA is committed to providing full access to all participants. If you have any accessibility requests, please include them in your registration or email us. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.

For all inquiries, contact the programs team at cHJvZ3JhbXMgfCBhcnRpc3Rjb21tdW5pdGllcyAhIG9yZw==.
Visit the Artist Communities Alliance website and our for ongoing updates.

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Below is a list of state arts councils and commissions that offer funding to support conference travel and attendance for artists and arts administrators. Review the details for each opportunity below.

Quick Grant Program Provides up to $600 to California-based artists, creatives, cultural practitioners, cultural producers, and nonprofit arts administrators in San Francisco/San Jose. Funds may be used for professional development activities that enhance administrative skills, build business capacity, and strengthen financial sustainability.

• Deadline: 15th of each month (decisions announced one month later)
• More Info:

Professional Development for Individuals Grants Offers up to $600 for artists and arts administrators to attend conferences, workshops, or other professional development events. Applicants must provide a 1:1 funding match (grant must equal half or less of total costs). Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the agency at least a month in advance for a courtesy review.

• Deadline: Postponed (new deadline to be announced)
• More Info:

Mini Grants for Organizations Reimbursement-based grants of up to $1,000 to support professional development and capacity building for Mississippi-based nonprofit organizations and government entities. Funds may cover registration, lodging, and travel expenses. A 1:1 funding match is required.

• Deadline: June 1
• More Info:

Strategic Investment Grants (SIG) Provides up to $1,000 for professional development, market expansion, and participation in arts events. Open to artists, teachers, and nonprofit organizations. A 1:1 funding match is required.

• Deadline: 15th of each month (decisions announced one month later)
• More Info:

Artist Development GrantsThe South Carolina Arts Commission offers up to $2,500 to support SC artist’ and organizations’ quality arts projects, marketing, and events and/or their commitment to improving themselves and/or their work artistically activities that enhance artistic skill or business viability, including conference and event attendance. A 1:1 funding match is required.

• Deadline: The application period will open in July 2025; applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Individuals are encouraged to apply early.
• More Info:

Artist Development GrantsVermont Arts Council offers up to $2,000 to support Vermont artists in activities that enhance artistic skill or business viability, including conference and event attendance.

• Deadline: September 7
• More Info:

Other regional councils or private institutions may have additional opportunities near you - we encourage you to research what might be available!
(For example, regional arts councils in MN have "quick support" opportunities for individual artists up to $1k for which this would qualify.)
And it's always a great day to be in conversation and relationship with your local and regional arts councils.

We look forward to seeing you in December!

Also check out other Arts events in Santa Fe, Business events in Santa Fe, Conferences in Santa Fe.