2023 Architecture + Design Independent Projects Grants

The Architecture + Design Independent Projects grant program is a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts and The Architectural League of New York, awarding grants for New York State-based individuals and teams to explore a design topic through creation or research.

For the 2023 cycle, this program will award 25 grants of $10,000 to proposals in design fields, including architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, community-centered design, fashion, graphic, industrial, and interior design.

Following a successful pilot year of partnership in 2022, the League and NYSCA are pleased to again partner to administer the Independent Projects program for all interested applicants. The League will directly receive all applications and, together with NYSCA, will convene a panel of experts in design who will evaluate submissions and select projects for funding. Read on for an overview of the program and requirements, and download the complete 2023 Program Guidelines for full information on general requirements, eligibility, and the application process.

Program goals

Design is everywhere. Recognizing design as an art form that can enhance our quality of life, the Independent Projects program seeks proposals that emphasize artistry and design excellence, that may contribute to a broader understanding of design, and/or that advance a design discipline. Critically, design must be at the core of any proposal, and the outcome must be accessible to the public. Projects might, for example, create a design prototype, advance new ideas in community design, research a topic in design or architectural history, or engage in critical or theoretical analysis.

For many years, both NYSCA and the League have supported diverse and creative explorations in design. Where can design go next? Through this partnership, we welcome proposals that seek to answer this question.