Cambridge Arts Grant Program
7/26/2016 • 8 years ago
The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 8 years ago.
City of Cambridge Doubles Investment in Cambridge Arts Grant Program
Continuing the tradition of robust support for the arts and culture sector the City of Cambridge doubles its investment in Cambridge Arts Grant Program, adding $70,000 to the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s (MCC) allocation for the City as part of their statewide Local Cultural Council program. “With robust financial support, the City of Cambridge demonstrates our deep commitment to supporting the vital role of arts in our community,” notes Jason Weeks, Executive Director of the Cambridge Arts Council. The goal of the Cambridge Arts Grant Program is to support, promote, and maintain a vital role for the arts in the lives of Cambridge citizens in each of the city's neighborhoods and contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of our community.
Cambridge Arts makes annual awards to support access to professional visual and performing arts for Cambridge youth through Field Trip Grants and provided project based support for individual artists and organizations. Project Grants are awarded in two categories: Creating & Presenting and Education & Access.
Creating & Presenting Grants support the development and/or presentation of visual arts, dance, film/video, literature, music, theater, multidisciplinary and new media arts.
Education & Access Grants promote in-depth understanding of and participation in the arts. This category also supports projects that increase participation of populations with limited access to the arts.
The submission deadline for grant applications is Monday, October 17, 2016 at 5:00pm.
Award Amounts & Impact
Due to the increase in funding, Cambridge Arts Grant Program will now be able to offer awards up to $5000 per project. Cambridge Arts made 28 Project Grant awards in 2016. Funded projects included a program to engage teens and police officers through hip-hop; temporary public art on Cambridge Commons; the production of new theatrical works; a street festival; sculpture racing; and many more dynamic and socially relevant projects. The Cambridge Arts Grant Program guidelines and application process is designed to help artists and organizations develop a compelling case for funding, both for this grant program and future opportunities. Past recipients have been successful in leveraging the Cambridge Arts award into additional support for programs and projects. “…Cambridge Arts Council is an excellent starting point for first-time grant-seekers, young artists, or people like me who want to pursue projects that will be beneficial to our chosen audience—mine being high schoolers—and that will afford us the opportunity to continue to hone our craft.” – Beverly Mire, past grant recipient
Information Sessions & Workshops
Guidelines will be available August 1 on the Cambridge Arts website, www.cambridgeartscouncil.org/grants. New this year, the grant application process will be online. Paper applications will not be accepted.
In addition to the Cambridge Arts workshops listed below, applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the MCC’s webinars and live training sessions. Contact the MCC directly for more information about these sessions: https://www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.aspx.
Grant Information Session & Introduction to New Online Application
Monday, August 15, 2016, 6-8pm
Cambridge City Hall Annex, Community Conference Room
344 Broadway, 2nd floor
Grant Writing Workshop
Monday, September 12, 2016, 6-8pm
Prior review panelists and grant recipients provide insight into the evaluation process and tips for preparing a successful application. Individual coaching provided for applicants who bring a draft of their grant proposal. Advance registration for this free workshop are required. RSVP to jbarry@cambridgema.gov by September 5, 2016.
Cambridge City Hall Annex, Community Conference Room
344 Broadway, 2nd floor
Online application submission help is available on Mondays from 4-7pm and Wednesdays from 10-12pm September 1, 2016 – October 3, 2016, excluding City holidays and September 12. Email or call Director of Community Art, Julie Barry, to reserve your spot. jbarry@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4381
Cambridge Arts also offers one-on-one counseling to guide applicants through the grant proposal writing process. Email or call Director of Community Art, Julie Barry, to set up an appointment. jbarry@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4381