Assets for Artists is heading back to Rhode Island!
That’s right, MASS MoCA‘s Assets for Artists program is recruiting artists in all disciplines in the “rural” communities of Rhode Island to apply for grants of $1,000 to $2,000 to strengthen their artistic careers.
Applications are due January 25. Go to the Assets for Artists website  HERE to apply, and keep reading to learn more! (Note some locations are not eligible for these grants. See below.)

What’s This All About?
Assets for Artists is an innovative support model that helps artists strengthen their creative practice and grow its long-term sustainability. Since 2008, Assets for Artists has served over 500 artists in locations across the Northeast.
Thanks to grant funding from the USDA and our partnership with the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, we’re able to offer another round of our A4A services to artists based in rural-eligible areas of Rhode Island.
Artists selected for our 2017 Matched Savings Program will receive:

• A “matched savings” grant that serves as working capital to be invested in the artist’s creative practice. Participants are provided with grants of $1,000 or $2,000 to match an equal amount of savings, and the combined amount is used by the artist toward implementing their career-building plan.

• Free professional development services, including artist-led workshops on financial management and business/career planning.

• Free one-on-one coaching in the development of the artist’s career plan.

Who Should Apply?
Applicants should be motivated to develop a career plan, save funds, and make investments aimed at increasing the profitability and sustainability of their creative practice.

Eligible applicants include Rhode Island artists / creative entrepreneurs:

• At ALL income levels.

• In ALL disciplines — artisans, visual artists, designers, film-makers, photographers, performers, etc. — whose practice would benefit from some modest grant funding and the opportunity to improve their financial and business management skills.

• Based (with either a home or studio address) in a Rhode Island town that meets the USDA definition of “rural.”

Eligible locations include all Rhode Island towns EXCEPT the following locations that do NOT meet the rural eligibility criteria: Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Warwick, West Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Bristol, Lincoln, Central Falls, Portsmouth, and Barrington are not eligible.

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of artistic strength, readiness to benefit from the program services, and financial need. (While lower-income applicants are eligible for greater funding, artists at ALL income levels are encouraged to apply.)

Check out all the Rhode Island artists who have received matched savings grants.

What Are You Waiting For?

Applications are due by January 25, 2017. Click HERE to apply!

Post artwork courtesy of HopArts artist Beth Drainville.

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