FAQ

The lead artist is the main point of contact for a CXF project, but they don’t have to be directly involved in presenting the creative work. They’re responsible for submitting the application, managing project details, communicating with The Medium, signing the contract, receiving payment, and coordinating with The Medium staff on event dates and logistics.

Eligible artistic disciplines vary with each funding opportunity. See each opportunity for specific information.
Eligible disciplines include:

• Film/Video/Animation–Storytelling, visual, or performance based art using film, audio, broadcast, or multimedia.
• Dance and Movement–All genres, artist led or collaborative
• Theatre/Comedy/Circus Arts–Classical, new, showcase, experimental, community based
• Visual Arts–Painting, sculpture, fabric, photography, printmaking, folk, traditional, drawing, craft, public art, and digital art.
• Music–All genres to be presented to all age audiences
• Literature/Poetry–Storytelling and spoken word, lectures, workshops
• Art Facilitation-Identifying, assembling, managing, and presenting various aspects of an exhibition/artistic experience
• Interdisciplinary–Combination of visual, performing, musical, digital, and/or conceptual disciplines

Each CXF fund has different eligibility requirements, but in general:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Some opportunities require Arkansas residency (see below).
• You cannot apply for the same CXF fund you previously received.

You must be a resident of Arkansas to apply for The Platform and The Medium Artist Residencies (MARS). You do not need to be a resident of Arkansas to apply for the Producers, Mixtape Music Series, and Spectra Series funds.

Eligibility varies with each fund. Please see each fund to view the full list of eligibility requirements.

These opportunities use a random random selection process, meaning all applicants have an equal chance of being chosen. We first tested this approach with our InnerSpace program, and it helped make funding more accessible, so we’re excited to bring it to CXF!

A panel of artists, organizers, and community members will review Platform, Residencies, and Spectra applications using weighted scoring guidelines based on:

Each fund has “Work Periods” listed in the application. Platform and Producers projects will have preassigned public event date options on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday during their work period. This helps us coordinate with other events and ensure your project gets the best possible audience!

When you apply, you’ll be asked to pick your preferred dates. We strongly encourage you to select as many options as possible! The more dates you choose, the better your chances of getting one that works. While we can’t guarantee specific dates, we’ll do our best to fit your project into the schedule. Since CXF is planned alongside other events and over 30 CXF projects, flexibility is key!

If your project is funded, you’ll get your confirmed dates when you receive your contract. These dates can’t be changed except in extreme cases, since any changes would affect other projects and scheduled events.

Yes! Lead artists must attend a virtual Meet & Greet on Tuesday, July 15, 5:30 – 7:00 PM. This meeting helps set everyone up for success by reviewing project logistics and expectations. 

Spectra artists and Medium Artists in Residence will also take part in a pre-scheduled Visual Art Night (VAN), which serves as a reception and a chance to connect with the public, share your work, and engage with the community.

All CXF projects also require a simple post-program assessment. 

Beyond that, CXF offers optional professional development and mentorship opportunities throughout the program to help you grow your practice and connect with other creatives!

The Meet and Greet is a virtual convening for CXF artists to create a community network. Lead artists are asked to introduce themselves and share a synopsis of their projects.

To ensure a successful partnership, the Medium team will give an overview of programming logistics, outline project deliverables, walk through contracts, and answer questions. Lead artists are required to attend and all project collaborators are welcome.

Applications open April 17, 2025.

Applications close May 5, 2025 at 5 pm central time.

We’ve worked hard to make this year’s CXF application easier and more accessible, especially for first-time applicants. Here’s what it includes:

• Basic Information – Just the basics! Your contact details, artistic discipline, and (optional) demographic info.
• Your Project – Tell us about your idea in simple terms—what you’re creating, why it matters, and how it connects to CXF’s goals.
• Risk-Taking & Exploration – Share how your project steps outside the box, experiments with new ideas, or challenges the norm. Aligns directly with the Risk-Taking & Innovation scoring category (35%).
• Grant Funding & Experience – Let us know if you’ve received grant funding before and how CXF could help support your creative work. Aligns directly with the Grant Funding & Experience scoring category (25%).
• Residency – We prioritize applicants who live in Arkansas, especially in Benton and Washington Counties. The closer your connection to these areas—particularly Springdale—the higher your score!  Aligns directly with the Residency scoring category (15%).
• Local Participation & Project  Impact – Who will your project impact, and how will they participate—through collaboration, workshops, performances, or other interactive elements? Aligns directly with the Local Participation & Project Impact scoring category (10%).
• Planning & Feasibility – Give us a quick snapshot of your timeline, budget, and key collaborators to show that you’re ready to roll. Aligns directly with the Planning & Feasibility scoring category (10%).

Supporting Materials – Add any images, videos, or past work samples that help bring your vision to life! Aligns directly with the Supporting Materials scoring category (5%).

A strong CXF application clearly explains what you want to do, why it matters, and how you’ll make it happen. We’re looking for bold, creative risks—projects that push boundaries, try new ideas, or engage the community in fresh ways. We also prioritize first-time grant recipients and projects that impact Northwest Arkansas. A great application includes a realistic plan (timeline, budget, collaborators) and supporting materials (past work, sketches, or links) to bring your vision to life. Keep it clear, specific, and passionate!

Determine which funding opportunity best fits your proposed project’s discipline and scope. You may apply for only one opportunity. Submit your application by 5 pm CT on May 5, 2025. You will need to create a free Submittable account at www.submittable.com in order to apply. Please reach out to Submittable’s Customer Support team with any technical questions at support@submittable.com

Panelists reviewing project proposals will be experts in at least one artistic discipline, possess an understanding of the creative communities of Northwest Arkansas, and/or be a representative of a variety of communities, experiences, and backgrounds.

Professional/Artistic Growth and Risk-taking: Project represents an opportunity, artistic challenge, or a stretch for the applicant(s). Clearly outlines why this is the project/work the applicant wants to do now and how it relates to and furthers career and artistic goals. Project involves artistic risk. Applicants communicate a sense of curiosity and their proposal demonstrates that they are dreaming big.

Capacity/Feasibility: Applicant outlines a track record demonstrating the capacity and skill to carry out their proposed project. Clearly takes into account the feasibility of their project within the CXF program restrictions (whether that be physical space, time allotted, equipment needs, etc.). Applicant’s budget and project proposal align.

Artistic Vision and Strength of Concept: Applicant demonstrates a clear, compelling vision or purpose for their work in general. The proposed project concept aligns with this vision or purpose. The proposed project is relevant, interesting, inspiring, and thought-provoking.

All applicants will be notified June 11, 2025. The LIVE, randomly selected projects will also take place on June 11, 2025.

Once the grant agreement is signed, you’ll receive the full funding upfront.

HOW CAN CXF FUNDS BE USED?

Funds must be used for direct project costs, including:

• Artist fees
• Project materials and supplies
• Travel costs
• Consultant/contractor fees
• Facilities rental (if applicable)
• Marketing and outreach
• Health and safety costs

Funds cannot be used for:

• Capital expenditures (such as computers or permanent equipment)

Yes, lead artists may be members of other CXF projects for which they are not listed as lead artists.

You’ll be responsible for marketing and promoting your event, but we’re happy to help amplify your work! We will not be creating promotional materials for you, so please plan accordingly. If you send us promotional materials ahead of time, we may share them through CACHE and The Medium’s channels.

Yes! You can sell tickets for your event, except for Mixtape Music Series concerts, which must remain free. However, you can sell merchandise at Mixtape performances. If you choose to sell tickets or artwork, you’re responsible for handling all sales.

Yes! Any revenue you earn from ticket sales, artwork, or merchandise is yours to keep. You will be responsible for handling all sales and transactions yourself.

Each CXF project takes place within an assigned Work Period that varies by fund. When filling out your application, be sure to select all available timeframes that align with your project’s feasibility.

Requests for changes will not be considered unless under dire and immediate circumstances. The Creative Exchange Fund artists will collectively occupy over 700 days of overlapping projects and programs. Shifting Work Periods poses a significant challenge that would affect other CXF recipients.

Each CXF opportunity comes with a designated space at The Medium.  If you would like to reserve and pay for additional space for your project, just reach out!  You can coordinate separately by emailing Thalia at Thalia@cachecreate.org.

• Attend a virtual info session
• Join a workshop for grant writing tips
• Schedule a one-on-one consultation with The Medium team!

If you need help, reach out anytime.

Contact: thalia@cachecreate.org