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Vanessa Calixto, 2021 Worcester Capacity-Building Program Alum. Photo courtesy of the artist. 

Assets for Artists Capacity-Building Program

ArtsWorcester now serves as the Worcester County home of Assets for Artists, a program of MASS MoCA.

With support from Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Assets for Artists will run a special capacity-building program this year at ArtsWorcester for 10 Worcester County artists, performers, or writers, pairing an unrestricted micro-grant of $2,000 with professional development training and individual coaching for artists to design and build their creative future. The experience also includes an intensive weekend training at MASS MoCA and a showcase of participants' creative work at ArtsWorcester. Artists do not need to be an ArtsWorcester member to apply.

This program is geared toward artists who have limited access to resources and who are looking to build a sustainable creative practice, while strengthening their financial and social safety net within a community of peers. “Limited access” might mean artists who are low-to-moderate income or have little savings or access to generational wealth. This might also mean an artist who lives in a rural or other under-resourced community with fewer financial or artistic opportunities, or an artist who holds an identity that has been historically undervalued or marginalized. A4A defines “artist” very broadly, including visual artists, writers, musicians, dancers, theater practitioners, craftspeople, jewelers, fashion designers, puppeteers, drag performers, social practice and public artists, filmmakers, traditional artisans, and more.

Over the course of six months, selected Capacity-Building artists attend a series of scheduled cohort gatherings and workshops aimed at simultaneously building professional skills and creative community. Parallel to these larger group activities, artists connect 1-on-1 with A4A staff and receive up to three hours of coaching with an A4A trainer(s) of their choice. Artists are also encouraged to attend any additional A4A workshops offered over the six months.

Find additional information about this program and the application here.

Thank you to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation for its support of Assets for Artists at ArtsWorcester.

    

The six-month program includes:

  • $2,000 in unrestricted capacity-building funds made possible by The Midas Collaborative.

 

  • A combination of self-directed and group professional development for artists of all disciplines.

 

  • Individualized support and resources from A4A staff and trainers in service of your creative professional goals. 

 

  • Planning tools to help you explore what’s next in your artistic career.

 

  • Cohort events for connection and peer learning.

 

 

  • Up to 3 hours of one-on-one coaching sessions with an A4A trainer in support of your goals.

 

  • Complimentary one-year membership in ArtsWorcester, with a final gallery exhibition and/or performance showcase in the fall of 2025.

More about Assets for Artists:

Assets for Artists (A4A) provides professional development workshops, coaching, working capital grants, and creative community building for artists of all disciplines. They envision a world where artists are paid fairly, valued for their artistic, social, and economic contributions, and given equitable access to resources to thrive. All A4A programs are designed with and juried by a broad coalition of artists, activists and arts administrators.