CREATIVE GRANTS

The Arts Coalition awards four different kinds of grants throughout the year. These grants are made possible by a $5,000 grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board that is matched with funds raised in the community. Money is raised through fund-raising events, major gifts from local businesses, and contributions from individuals. The Arts Coalition is one of 16 statewide groups responsible for distributing state funds to local arts programs. Under governor Walker's budget plan, the matching grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board may be reduced in 2013.

Creative Community Grant Program

This program annually awards $10,000 to local artists, arts organizations and groups involved in art or cultural programs. The purpose of the grant is to stimulate creative and innovative arts programming. Proposed projects can be any artistic discipline or combination of artistic media. Projects may include public exhibits, performances, publications, and educational activities. Applications are due mid-February or early March with awards announced April 1.

Applications for the grant are reviewed by a Peer Review Panel comprised of the local arts community. Proposals are evaluated on the degree of community involvement and community benefit, artistic merit, creativity and innovation, ability of the applicant to complete the project, potential for growth and development, and the ability to provide matching funds. Awards will be for no less than $500 and no more than $5,000.

For more information on the Creative Community Grant Program, to see a list of recent recipients, and to download the most recent application, please CLICK HERE.

Small Grants Program

Small grants are a maximum of $500 and are awarded annually by the Arts Coalition. Funds for this program are raised through fund-raising events, membership, and donations from businesses and individuals. The purpose is to encourage artists, organizations and groups to pursue their projects in the performing arts, visual arts and literature. Applications are due mid-October and are awarded mid-December.

For more information on the Small Grants Program, to see a list of recent recipients, and to download the most recent application, please CLICK HERE.

Artistic Development Grant

This grant program emphasizes an individual's arts project or artistic learning and development. Eligible for funding are expenses related to projects in the visual or performing arts, or to help cover short-term courses, workshops or art/music classes or camps. Funds are intended to cover materials, time spent on a project or for registration fees. Any professional or amateur artist or student in the River Valley is eligible to apply. Almost $2,000 is available for this program. Applications and awards usually are given during the summer, although it varies depending on funds available. Criteria for evaluating grant applications are individual benefit, educational benefit, financial need, community benefit and target date for completion.

For more information on the Artistic Development Grant, to see a list of recent recipients, and to download the most recent application, please CLICK HERE.

Scholarships

The Arts Coalition awards a $200 scholarship every Spring to an exceptionally talented River Valley High School student who wishes to pursue the study of music, the performing arts or fine arts.

For more information on Scholarships, and to see a list of recent recipients, please CLICK HERE.