2026

Art Project Grants

Each year we award dozens of grants to artists, churches, and faith-based organizations to bring the beauty of the Gospel through the arts. Grants are awarded in partnership with Belmont University’s Creative Arts Collective.

Grant applications are closed for 2026

Greetings Grant Seekers,

Creo Arts grant projects applications are now closed.

Thank you to all who applied — we are grateful for your courage as you step out in faith to honor the creative dreams God has given you. Please see the following dates on what to expect from us in 2026, and we look forward to opening applications again in 2027!

May God bless you, Artist!

Program Outline and Application Questions (PDF)
Artist Application
Organization Application

2026 Important Dates

Online Application Opens: August 6, 2025

Application Deadline: November 26, 2025  

Award Decisions Issued: December 12, 2025  

Grants Awarded: February 1st, 2026

Online Welcome Meeting: February 12th, 2026

Artist Retreat In Wilmore, KY: September 2026

Learn about our 2025 artist projects

  • Shane Ortiz

    Violent Grace - The Life and Art of Edward Knippers
    Washington, DC

    Violent Grace follows the life and work of Edward Knippers, an artist known for his provocative use of the nude figure in Biblical narratives. Through his paintings, the film opens a long-overdue conversation about embodiment, beauty, and the place of the human form in Christian imagination.

  • Josh & Jessica Jordan

    “El Tonto Por Cristo” Film Project
    Houston, TX

    El Tonto Por Cristo is a contemplative film inspired by true accounts, following a modern “fool-for-Christ” through faith, doubt, and redemption in rural Texas. Blending Orthodox mysticism with Southern realism, it explores the everyday struggle toward theosis—union with God through grace. The film invites viewers to notice God’s presence in the humble moments of life and to rediscover a spirituality marked by humility, transformation, and self-giving love.

  • Cheryl McCarthy

    The Art Abbey
    Blacksburg, VA

    The Art Abbey Project is a national initiative offering artists spiritual direction, prayer support, and contemplative retreat experiences designed to nurture both their craft and their inner life with God. Led by seasoned prayer leader and spiritual director Cheryl McCarthy, the Abbey provides a place for artists to heal, explore faith, and create art rooted in communion with the Creator. This project exists to foster deeper spiritual formation among artists and to cultivate faith-infused creativity within the church and beyond.

  • Kurt Kaddy

    OF SHAME AND GLORY: A Visual Liturgy for Lent and Beyond
    Springfield, MO

  • Meredith Schomburg

    Contemplate the Light: A Stations of the Cross Installation
    New York City, NY

  • Dr. Linda Stratford

    “Art and the Search for Meaning” Project
    Lexington, KY

  • Jim Shores

    Stage Production of 40 Acres
    Wilmore, KY

  • Norman Wyatt Jr.

    Bring Me Yet a Vessel
    Richmond, VA

  • Krista Padgett

    Resounding Grace: Worship Through Harp
    Wilmore, KY

  • Stephanie Vander Lugt

    Oddkin Unite
    Charlotte, NC

  • Jordan Butler

    “Sons of Timaeus” Record
    Winfield, KS

  • Todd Hunter

    Worship Arts EP for C4SO Diocese
    Franklin, TN

  • Nathan Hoff

    Creo Gallery and Studios
    Trinity Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, CA

  • Valarie Grimes

    Radiant Church Artist Community
    Radiant Church, Savannah, GA

  • Mattie Karr

    Imago Dei
    Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Kansas City, MO

  • Peter Johnston

    The Trinity Gallery
    Trinity Church, Lafayette, LA

  • Gary Ball

    Working Studio/Gallery Space
    Redeemer Anglican Church, Asheville, NC

  • Mitch Marcello

    Art Camp
    United Methodist Church, Williamsport, PA

  • Tim Pflug

    The Sower
    Life on the Vine Church, Chicago, IL

2025 Art Project Profiles