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Creator guide

The mallow Culture Fund exists to support events, exhibitions and educational experiences that push Solana art forward. The fund helps creators, curators, galleries, educators and organisers bring culture and knowledge into both physical and digital spaces while strengthening the wider Solana ecosystem.

This page explains how grants work for creators and organisers.

What we support​

We support events, exhibitions and educational initiatives that create cultural impact or strengthen understanding of Solana art. This includes for example:

  • Gallery shows
  • Artist talks and public lectures
  • Workshops teaching Solana based art tools or creative practice
  • Mentorship or peer learning sessions
  • Art and blockchain education for students or communities
  • Pop ups and micro exhibitions
  • Community driven art gatherings
  • Cross cultural collaborations highlighting Solana art
  • Experiments that bring Solana art into public space

All funded initiatives should have an educational element by nature whether through onboarding, discussion, community engagement or creative learning.

Who can apply​

Anyone can apply if their event, exhibition or educational program focuses on Solana art.

We support individuals, collectives, curators, galleries, educators and organisers.

Applicants must commit to:

  • Creating an event or program that strengthens Solana art
  • Listing at least one artwork connected to the event on any Solana marketplace with mallow preferred when applicable
  • Making a genuine effort to onboard at least three creators into Solana art. This can include brand new artists, artists from other chains or Solana creators who have had no art related activity in the last twelve months
  • Using Solana for any blockchain based components
  • Sharing a recap and required posts
  • Placing the Culture Fund logo where appropriate
  • Filling out a short impact form within thirty days of the event so we can understand how the event supported Solana culture and improve future support

If a creator steps away after onboarding that is fine. The requirement is about effort not guaranteed outcomes.

Grant amounts​

The mallow Culture Fund currently offers three fixed grant tiers:

  • 300 USDC for small activations or workshops
  • 600 USDC for mid sized events or classes
  • 900 USDC for full exhibitions, multi session education or larger community gatherings

Grants are capped at 900 USDC per event.
All grants are paid in USDC on Solana.

If the fund grows significantly we may review the grant sizes or add special project tiers.

What to include in your application​

Applications should include:

  • A budget proposal showing how funds will be used
  • A timeline for the event or program
  • A clear explanation of the cultural or educational goal
  • Expected outcomes such as attendance, engagement or onboarding
  • A commitment to list at least one artwork connected to the event
  • A plan for onboarding new or returning Solana creators
  • A plan for social visibility
  • For education based proposals a short overview of what participants will learn

Applications can be submitted at any time.

Branding and visibility​

Recipients must include:

  • One social post acknowledging support from the mallow Culture Fund
  • Culture Fund logo placement at the event or on learning materials where appropriate
  • A recap post with images, outcomes or learnings
  • Tags to mallow in relevant posts

The goal is visibility without unnecessary burden.

Impact form​

To help us understand the impact of the initiative we ask recipients to fill out a short impact form within thirty days of their event. This takes only a few minutes and helps us understand how the event supported Solana culture, onboarded new creators and contributed to the wider ecosystem.

You will receive a link to the form when your grant is approved.

Review and decision making​

Applications are reviewed by a small panel made up of mallow members, contributing partners and advisors active in the Solana art ecosystem. The panel helps ensure a fair, consistent and community aligned process.

The panel looks at:

  • Cultural or educational impact
  • Onboarding potential
  • Quality and originality
  • Feasibility
  • Budget accuracy
  • Value to the Solana ecosystem

Most decisions will be made within four weeks.

Payouts​

If approved, funds are sent in USDC on Solana within fourteen days.
Most grants will be paid within a few days after approval.

For events or education programs, grants are paid upfront so you can plan and execute without waiting for reimbursement.

Quick FAQ​

Can I apply more than once
Yes.

Can groups or collectives apply
Yes.

Do I need a venue confirmed before applying
A clear plan is enough.

Can I apply for more than 900 USDC
Grants are currently capped at 900 USDC per event.

Can I run an education program without an exhibition
Yes if it clearly benefits Solana art.

Do I need prior experience running events or classes
No.

Can non Solana artists or students apply
Yes if the initiative aligns with the onboarding requirement.

Is the artwork listed required to be newly created
No. It only needs to be connected to the event.

Can funds be used for travel or accommodation
Yes if it is essential to the event or education program.

What qualifies as onboarding three creators
Brand new artists, artists migrating from other chains or Solana creators with no art related activity in the last twelve months.