Open Call: Generator Series Projects
Generator Series Projects
Applications Open September 29th - November 9th
Amplify’s Generator Series supports artist-led projects that champion exploration, foster collaboration, and invite participation. Up to three projects will be awarded budgets of $5,000 each to realize a 2026 Generator Series project.
Artists and organizers working in all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Well-researched projects that take place outside conventional art spaces will be favored. Applications for public installations, performances, workshops, screening series, and other types of public-facing work are welcome. Applicants working to better understand the ecologies, civic histories, and cultural values that shape our city are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications are open September 29th - November 9th, 2025.
Keep scrolling for more details or visit Amplify’s Submittable page for the full application and to apply!
About the Application
-
Any artist, artist collective, or collaborative group maintaining a residence within the Omaha/Council Bluffs Metro Areas including Washington, Douglas, Cass, Sarpy, and Saunders counties in Nebraska, and Pottawattamie, Mills, and Harrison counties in Iowa is eligible to apply.
Applicants must be at least 19 years old.
A formal education is not required to apply.
Each applicant may submit a maximum of three designs. Each design must be submitted as a separate application.
For collaborative groups
Submissions from artist collectives and collaborative groups are welcome. Collectives and collaborative groups are eligible if:
At least one member of the group meets the eligibility requirements outlined above.
The group is not incorporated into a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Members of the group are committed to working on a deeply collaborative level to advance the goals of the group, rather than those of the individuals within the group.
Collaborative groups should submit as a group and discuss the nature and duration of the collaboration in their Artist Statement.
Each collaborative may submit a maximum of three designs. Each design must be submitted as a separate application.
-
September 29th: Application Opens
October 15th; 4pm - 8pm: Application Office Hours
November 9th; 11:59pm: Application Closes
November 10th - December 12th: Application Review
December 17th: Application Status Updates Delivered
-
Applicants will be asked to submit:
An Artist Statement that describes their practice and the ideas that move it forward.
A Project Description that describes their project and how it will be realized with Generator Series support.
A Project Budget that outlines costs associated with realizing their project.
A Work Sample that includes examples of recent and past work.
A Works Cited page with more information about the individual works, or bodies of work, in their sample.
There is no fee to apply!
-
Applications will be reviewed in a four-phase review process:
Amplify Arts staff will review to ensure applicants meet eligibility requirements and have submitted a complete application.
All eligible applications will be reviewed and scored by an external panel of arts professionals.
Panel members will recommend up to five applicants to interview with Amplify staff.
Amplify staff will conduct interviews and select up to three applicants to realize 2026 Generator Series projects, based on panelists’ recommendations.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
The project champions exploration, fosters collaboration, and invites participation.
The project is well-researched, public-facing, and takes place outside conventional art spaces.
The project can be fully realized with the $5,000 project budget.
The work sample demonstrates an active practice and a history of thoughtful, compelling work.
The project is overall a good fit.
Amplify Arts staff do not evaluate applications but will offer decision making support and context to reviewers based on applicants’ responses to application questions. Amplify staff will also conduct interviews and make final selections based on selection panelists’ recommendations.
Questions?
Keep scrolling for answers to frequently asked questions.
Register for Virtual Application Office Hours to talk with a member of Amplify’s staff about your application.
Email info@amplifyarts.org anytime.
FAQ
-
Generator Series projects champion exploration, foster collaboration, and invite participation.
Projects that engender a deeper understanding of the ecologies, civic histories, and cultural values that shape our city are strongly encouraged.
Applications for public installations, performances, workshops, screening series, and other types of public-facing work are all welcome!
-
Generator Series projects come with project budgets of $5,000 and an additional budget of $1,000 to fund the creation of a small publication that documents or further contextualizes your project.
Amplify staff offer additional project support and assistance:
Identifying potential sites or venues for your project.
Scheduling your project.
Promoting your project.
Carrying out your project.
Documenting your project.
Offering project feedback along the way.
-
You tell us!
These awards support projects that happen outside conventional art spaces.
If your project is selected, Amplify staff will work with you to identify a venue that’s a good fit.
In the past, Generator Series projects have taken place in Millwork Commons, DIY and alternative art spaces, public parks, and city streets.
-
This application is for 2026 Generator Series projects. In the application, you’ll be asked to select the ideal timeframe for realizing your project next year.
Projects with a durational aspect that happen over a number of weeks or months are welcome. If selected, Amplify staff will work with you to schedule your project during one of the following timeframes:
Spring 2026: March, April, and/or May
Summer 2026: June, July, and/or August
Fall 2026: September, October, and/or November
-
Follow the link to explore the Generator Series archive page on Amplify’s website: https://www.amplifyarts.org/generator-series-archive