Calling Massachusetts Artists: Now Accepting Grant Applications

At last, we’re accepting new applications for 2011 (deadline extended to April 25, 2011) from Massachusetts artists in all disciplines. Thanks to generous support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and local partners in Boston, Lowell, New Bedford and Pittsfield, this is the first year we’re opening the program to artists beyond the Berkshires, so we hope the word spreads widely.

Some basic information about the program is available here, and a nice article from the Berkshire Trade & Commerce newspaper can be viewed here (in pdf format).

So how does the program actually work?

To be eligible, your adjusted gross income can be no more than $45,000 for a household of 1, $52,000 for 2, $58,000 for 3, and $65,000 for a household of 4. The maximum eligible household income increases $5,000 for each additional person in the household above 4.

If you’re selected – based on a combination of financial need and artistic accomplishment – we will open a “matched savings account” in your name. You will make savings deposits every month for at least 6 months (up to 30 months) to meet a certain savings goal, and you will complete some required training in personal finance and business and professional development for artists, making you eligible to receive a savings match for “working capital” to invest in your work as an artistic microenterprise, or down payment assistance for the purchase of a home or live-work space. It’s a commitment on your part, and you need to be able to make those savings deposits and attend the training, but the financial and professional benefits are substantial. It’s a relatively simple application, and Assets for Artists has no application fee or tuition. For more details, click here to download the application.

If you have any questions about how it works, email assets4artists@gmail.com or call MASS MoCA’s Blair Benjamin at 413-664-4481 x8104.

The completed APPLICATION FORM with 1-3 page resume or bio, must be sent as email attachments to assets4artists@gmail.com before 5:00 pm on APRIL 25, 2011 (note that the original deadline of April 21, 2011, has been extended to April 25, 2011, due to some technical difficulties with the downloadable application form which have now been resolved).