Our communities are rich tapestries woven together by the creativity and stories of their inhabitants. In a world bursting at the seams with ideas, how can we ensure that the voices of local artists and changemakers don’t just echo, but thunder across the landscape? The answer lies in empowerment through funding. This blog post unveils a kaleidoscope of opportunities, that are open to local artists and community activators.
Application Deadline: June 28, 2023
Artists 360
Artists 360, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, provides grants and professional development opportunities for artists in Northwest Arkansas, and it has awarded $770,000 to 112 artists in the first five years of the program’s existence! The annual program includes learning opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills, build sustainable careers and create a network of leading regional artists.
Now in its sixth year, Artists 360 is currently taking applications for the 2023-2024 grant cycle, offering six $1,500 student grants, fourteen $7,500 project grants, five $15,000 Community Activator grants, and one $25,000 Creative Impact Award* to local artists. For more information about the program, grant categories, and application criteria, please visit artists360.art.
*Nominations are required to apply for the Creative Impact Award. Nominees will be invited to apply between June 20, 2023 and July 21, 2023
Application Deadline: July 17, 2023
Creative Exchange Fund
All practicing creatives, artists, non-profit organizations, and for-profit creative collectives are eligible to apply for the second year of grant funding from the Creative Exchange Fund (CXF). Five unique opportunities exist to support live performances, community events, artists in residence, and innovative exhibitions.
The Creative Exchange Fund (CXF) is a programming initiative designed in partnership with the Tyson Family Foundation to activate and test physical space at The Medium, a CACHE creative hub and multi-functional venue located in downtown Springdale, Arkansas. Through a series of five funding opportunities, CXF invests in creatives by subsidizing artist time, providing free space, and offering professional development resources. Applications will be accepted through July 17, with 36 grants totaling $114,000.
Check out the artists and organizations that were funded last year, here.
Crowdfunding campaign deadline: March 31, 2024
Northwest Arkansas Neighborhood Match Program
If you live in Northwest Arkansas’ Benton & Washington Counties, this crowdfunding match program will double up to $1,000 per donor and up to $15,000 total for local projects that utilize public spaces for community good. Public spaces include parks, schools, community centers, sidewalks, community gardens, crosswalks, and more.
Examples of active campaigns include Kidz N Cameras Studio and Community Center providing young people from diverse backgrounds, including those from low-income families, children with autism, and kids in the juvenile detention center, with access to high-quality photography education and resources, and The Juke Joint Project: An Exhibit, an immersive walk-through replica of a delta juke joint currently installed at the Pryor Center on the Downtown Fayetteville Square
Eligibility is limited to residents, volunteer groups or small nonprofits with an annual budget smaller than $250,000.
