Credit: Erin Long
A partnership between the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and MASS MoCA’s Assets for Artists, our Capacity-Building Program is an innovative support model that helps artists in all disciplines 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.
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, outlining 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.
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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
DEADLINE: 11:59 PM Tuesday, March 1, 2021
ELIGIBILITY
We welcome applications from Rhode Island 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.
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 in rural areas or with greater financial need, but applicants in all locations and financial circumstances are encouraged to apply.
A4A ALUMNI: If you received a Capacity-Building or Matched Savings grant from A4A in 2018 - 2020, you are not eligible for our 2021 Capacity-Building grant program. If you are an A4A alum from earlier than 2018 and can show that you'll be able to benefit from the program in new ways, you are welcome to apply.
MEET THE 2020 CAPACITY-BUILDING GRANTEES
START LEARNING TODAY!
Our Winter/Spring Workshop Season has already started! Explore the many learning opportunities for Rhode Island artists and get a jump start on your financial and business education. All workshops are free and online, with topics ranging from taxes to business planning to marketing and grant-writing.
A4A’s 2021 Capacity-Building Grant Program and its supporting technical assistance and services are available thanks to the crucial support and partnership of U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.