Making art is expensive business, and working artists look for any financial help they can get. To supplement the costs of fabrication, art materials, studio space, and travel, one of the most popular sources of funds is fellowships and grants. For our ongoing series on resources for artists in these tough times, ARTINFO has researched the many funding options available in the United States, and compiled a handy guides of the ones that are within reach of the average artist.
As with residencies, which we covered in two parts, we discovered that there are tiers to fellowships and grants, and not all are created equal. Some of the most prestigious and hefty prizes are the Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant, the MacArthur Fellowship, and the Larry Aldrich Foundation Award. Each come with big money grants — but they are also available by nomination only. When it comes to grant money that is attainable by open application, the pool is wide but the eligibility requirements also vary greatly — from awards for making comic books to small grants to publish limited editions of artist books written by women. The list below is a diverse and eclectic sampling of what is out there, but there's likely something in there for everybody.
Who: Artists working in photography and photo-based art
When: Deadline is May 18, 2012
How Much: Up to $10,000
Eligibility requirements for this grant state that applicants are judged “on the basis of artistic excellence, accomplishment to date, and the promise of future achievement in the medium in its widest sense.” In other words, for those who are working professionals, and have both an extensive resume and portfolio, this award geared towards you. Just keep in mind you’ll be up against an esteemed panel of judges that have ranged from David Levi Strauss, Chair of the MFA Art Criticism & Writing program at SVA to Elizabeth Biondi, critic for the New Yorker.
Who: Asian artists
When: Deadline is November 1
How Much: Not typically exceeding $10,000
Who: Contemporary lesbian visual artists working in sculpture, painting, prints, mixed media, and works on paper
When: Date not available for 2013 yet
How Much: $2,500
Each year three grants are given, two of which are supported by an endowed gift from Joan Watts, a founding member and artist. Glittery portraitist Mickalene Thomas was a panelist for 2008/2009.
Who: The awesome amongst us
When: Awarded monthly. Applications are rolling.
How Much: $1,000
[Fine Print]: Not available for students or recent IPF recipients, and you must apply online.
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The Asian Cultural Council is by far one of the most dedicated organizations giving to Asian artists who are looking for funding to conduct research, study, receive special training, and pursue art in non-commercial settings, either in the United States or countries in Asia. The council gives money for anyone in the fields of Archaeology, Art History, Crafts, Dance, New Media, Painting/Sculpture/Installation, and more.
[Fine Print]: Grants vary in duration, from one month to one year, and the amounts can vary as well. Some fields not funded include publications, individual artist exhibitions, or performance tours, as well as undergraduate or secondary school study.
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[Fine Print]: Candidates must show a commitment to social-justice feminism.
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The Awesome Foundation is a loose network of small-time philanthropists who award $1,000 micro-grants to people with certifiably awesome ideas every month. Chapters consist of 10 trustees who each donate $100. The project can be artistic, scientific, and/or social in nature. Previous “awesome” projects have included a giant hammock in Boston, a mushroom farm made out of phone books in Ottawa, and a portable pipe organ.
[Fine Print]: None — this grant is that awesome.
For more information and a complete list of grant, click the link below.
