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.

In 2021, our capacity-building grant program will specifically focus on serving artists of color across Massachusetts.

This is part of a larger system of support we are co-designing with BIPOC artists in our home state. Learn more about how Assets for Artists supports Massachusetts artists of color.

SELECTED ARTISTS benefit from the following:

A $1,000 capacity-building grant to be invested in accordance with the artist’s 2-3 year goals. Participants will receive grant funds after completing a written plan outlining the use of funds (described below).
A basic plan that grantees write that outlines their top creative and financial goals and how they will strategically invest their $1,000 grant toward those goals. The plan must be finalized before participants receive their grant funds. A4A offers ample support to artists in writing the plan — see trainings and coaching, below!
Free artist-tailored trainings on a range of financial, business, and professional topics. A4A has an ongoing schedule of webinars for artists (including one specifically on Making a Plan to help you with the required plan-writing program component). Webinars are optional but highly encouraged for grantees, and grantees receive priority registration.
Free one-on-one coaching, including support in crafting a basic plan to guide the investment of the artist’s grant. Coaching can also help artists to strategize around financial and business challenges, marketing and fundraising, and other aspects of arts entrepreneurship.

| RECENT TRAININGS | MEET OUR TRAINERS |

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 or recoup pandemic losses
Making strategic investments to sustain and grow 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 BIPOC artists in all disciplines and at all stages of their careers. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of artistic strength and readiness to benefit from our broad array of program services. Some preference may be given to applicants with greater financial need, but applicants in all financial circumstances are encouraged to apply.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 11:59 PM Tuesday, January 19, 2021

APPLICATION CLOSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO APPLIED!

ELIGIBILITY

Applicant must identify as an artist of color and live in Massachusetts. We welcome applications from BIPOC artists and creative entrepreneurs at all career stages and working in any discipline—music, dance, writing, film, craft, design, visual art, performance art, jewelry, folk art, etc.—whose practice would benefit from the opportunity to improve their financial and business skills in order to make valuable investments aimed at sustaining and growing their creative practice over the long term. Thanks to a special partnership with the City of Boston’s Office of Arts & Culture, at least 10 grants will be given to artists from Boston, with even more awarded statewide.

For 2021, Assets for Artists will focus the majority of its Massachusetts programming on supporting artists of color in our state. In 2021, Capacity-Building applications will NOT be accepted from artists who identify as white. White artists are still welcome to register for our free professional development webinars and attend as space allows.

We understand that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted all artists; however, we also recognize that for many reasons this moment is especially challenging for artists of color. Thank you for understanding why we are reserving this special consideration to those who have been historically marginalized and disproportionately affected by our country's ongoing health and racial epidemics.

NOTE FOR A4A ALUMNI: If you received a Capacity-Building or Working Capital grant from A4A in 2019 or 2020, you are not eligible for our 2021 Capacity-Building grant program (this includes the North Adams Project, ValleyCreates, Boston Capacity-Building, & MA Statewide Capacity-Building programs). If you are an A4A alum from earlier than 2019 and can show that you'll be able to benefit from the program in new ways, you are welcome to apply.

BONUS OPPORTUNITY FOR GREATER BOSTON BIPOC ARTISTS

Now accepting requests to participate in an all-BIPOC, artist-run intensive: “Applying Collective Liberation for Artists” facilitated by Deen Rawlins-Harris and Daniel Park. Deadline is Jan 8, 2021.

LEARN MORE!

A4A’s 2021 Capacity-Building Grant Program and its supporting technical assistance and services are available thanks to the crucial support of the Barr Foundation, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, the City of Boston, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and the Deborah Munroe Noonan Memorial Fund (Bank of America, N.A.,Trustee).