Southern Exposure's Alternative Exposure grant program supports the independent, self-organized work of artists and small groups playing a crucial role within the San Francisco Bay Area arts community. Alternative Exposure provides monetary awards – grants of up to $5,000 each – to foster the development and/or presentation of artist-led projects and programs that are open to the public. Funded activities may include a new exhibition or exhibition series, the ongoing work of an independent art space or collective, a public art project, a one-time event or performance, publications directly related to the visual arts, an online project, an artist residency, a series of performances or screenings and more.      

KEY DATES 

Application Deadline : Monday, August 10, 2026, 11:59PM PST 

Grantee Notification:  October 31, 2026      

INFORMATION SESSIONS

View past info sessions here with useful info about eligibility requirements and the application process: https://soex.org/alternative-exposure/information-sessions

Or schedule a 1:1 video call here to ask specific questions about applying to Alternative Exposure.

 BASIC INFORMATION 

Alternative Exposure grants directly fund visual arts projects that provide frameworks of support for artists to create and continue their work. Alternative Exposure is focused on supporting projects that present the work of more than one artist. If applying as a group, the artistic group or venue can be either long-standing or formed specifically for this opportunity. 

Projects presented by 501c3 nonprofit organizations are NOT eligible to apply. Funds will not be distributed via fiscal sponsors. 

 GRANT AMOUNTS 

Alternative Exposure will support projects at levels up to $5,000.