Our capacity-building grant program is an innovative support model that helps artists strengthen their creative practice and grow its long-term sustainability. Launched in 2008, the Assets for Artists program has served more than 1,000 artists in 5 states.
Artists selected for the Massachusetts Statewide grant program benefit from the following:
A capacity-building grant to be invested in accordance with the artist’s 3-5 year goals. Participants will receive grant funds after participating in free artist-led training and coaching on financial/business planning and goal-setting.
Free artist-tailored webinars on a range of financial, business, and professional topics. Participants will be required to take at least one workshop, but can participate in as many as desired.
Free one-on-one coaching, including support in crafting a basic plan to guide the investment of the artist’s grant. The plan--which will outline goals and action steps--must be finalized before participants receive their grant funds.
Participating artists will receive support in identifying top-priority goals. The following is a non-exhaustive list of possible investment areas:
Building an emergency fund to help manage variable income
Making strategic investments in your creative practice
Managing and reducing your debt burden
Developing a strategy for retirement savings
Preparing to buy a first home
Applications are open to artists in all disciplines and at all stages of their careers. We are especially excited for applications from rural, BIPOC, or LGBTQ+ artists.
Applications due Friday, September 27, 2019
The 2020 MA Statewide Capacity-Building Grants and Professional Development Workshops are possible thanks to the generous support of the Barr Foundation, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office.
2019 MASSACHUSETTS STATEWIDE GRANTEES
2018 MASSACHUSETTS STATEWIDE GRANTEES