Infinite Expansion Grants
In keeping with our mission, the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts (MKFA) supports arts organizations that foster critical thinking, risk-taking, and provocation in the arts through innovative programming and projects with artists. The grant program furthers Mike Kelley’s philanthropic work and honors his legacy by awarding funds to arts organizations that reflect the spirit of his practice.
For the 2026 grant cycle, MKFA will continue to offer the Infinite Expansion Grants (IEG). The grant takes its name from Mike Kelley’s Infinite Expansion (1983), a large drawing depicting a tiny landscape in the center of the work from which radiate larger and larger psychedelic wood grain patterns. With this in mind, the aim of these grants is to emphasize the expansive impact that arts organizations and artists make in the world and the communities they build.
The IEG centers on the experimental and thought-provoking work of artists presented by arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations in LA County. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded based on the submission of an upcoming project. Award size will depend on the project budget, operating budget, and how much MKFA can offer in awards. While the grants will primarily support the culmination of an artist project, a portion of the funds may be directed toward general operating support.
The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting work that has proven (or may prove) challenging to undertake or fund due to its content, experimental nature, complexity, or other factors. Grants may cover any or all project phases, from planning to implementation, but the project must culminate in a publicly presented work in Los Angeles County by December 2027.
To begin the application process for the 2026 Infinite Expansion Grants, a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) must be submitted by August 15, 2025, 11:59 PM PST through Submittable, our online grant application portal.
Prior to submitting an LOI, participating artists must be confirmed and aware that their materials will be used as part of an organization’s application. The focus of these grants is for an organization to present a project with artists outside of their organization. Due to this, projects by artists on staff are ineligible.
Please read the guidelines and FAQs to help complete your LOI. On Wednesday, July 9th at 11:00 AM PST the Foundation will hold a webinar to go over the LOI and answer questions. To join the webinar use this link. To access the application click here.
