call for proposals: Material Needs Grants 2022-2023

deadline: Thursday, January 6, 2022 

 

Submit here.

Material Needs Grants, funded by an anonymous donor, support the expenses of supplies and materials for the creation of new art in Worcester County. With this gift, ArtsWorcester is able to distribute grants to local artists between $500 and $1,500. Artists who receive the Material Needs Grant in 2022 will exhibit their work in a group show in 2023.

All eligible proposals are reviewed by a committee of three individuals with experience in the arts. This year’s Material Needs Grants will be awarded by: Jennessa Burks, artist, educator, and activist; Eric Nichols, Assistant Professor, Worcester State University; and Toby Sisson, Associate Professor and Program Director of Studio Art, Clark University.

When is the deadline? Midnight on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Submissions received after this date and time will not be considered.

What expenses could be covered by a Material Needs Grant? These grants are restricted to expenses for the supplies, material, and equipment (purchased or rented) needed to make new art. Proposals for any and all kinds of visual art are welcome, including but not limited to painting, photography, fiber, ceramics, sculpture, new media, and performance art.

What expenses are not covered? Examples of expenses not covered would be studio rental, framing, publicity and promotional costs, reception expenses, insurance or transport of artwork. Any questions about what may or may not be covered by the grant can be sent to alice@artsworcester.org.

How are proposals evaluated? Proposals are considered for their novelty, innovation, potential impact (on the viewer, on your career, and on other artists in the area), and feasibility. Can you do it? And can you do it in one calendar year?

Who is eligible? You must have been a member of ArtsWorcester for one calendar year prior to applying for a Material Needs Grant, and you mustreside in Worcester County. We regret that members residing outside of Worcester County are not eligible. If you have previously received a Material Needs Grant, you must wait three years from the previous application date before applying again.

How do I submit? All submissions must be made online through this Submittable form. Email and hard copy proposals will not be considered.

When will I find out if I have received a grant? By mid-February, 2022.

And then I just make the art? Yes--and awardees receiving grants made in 2022 should expect to have works completed with their funds exhibited in the fall of 2023.

Download our guidelines and application checklist.

You will receive a confirmation email once your submission has been made. If you do not see this email, please contact the gallery to confirm receipt of your submission: alice@artsworcester.org or (508) 755-5142.

Good luck!

Submit here.