Visual Artist Micro-Grants through the CICF Artist Ambassadors 

Micro-grants of $500 are designed to support the work of visual artists living and working in Central Indiana who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and/or a person with disabilities and to support the advancement of their artistic practices and careers. They were created by the CICF artist ambassadors in response to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on under-appreciated artists, and are intended as a bridge for those seeking small grants to simply keep creating.

The purpose of the grant program is to support, enhance or advance an artists practice, productivity, skill, knowledge, creative acumen, cultural awareness, approach, project(s), connections, network, materials/supplies, marketing-promotion, artistic project-related travel, facilitation of an event, exhibit(s), participation in an event, shipping of artwork, etc. 

Self-taught or informally trained artists are encouraged to apply. 

ELIGIBILITY: 
  • BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and/or visual artists with disabilities
  • residents of Central Indiana (defined as the 9-county metro area)
  • artists working alone or in a collaborative group in all visual media that consider themselves to be professionals in their field
  • exhibited work or made their work public for a time period of at least three years
  • 21 years of age or older
  • must not be enrolled in a degree-granting program after June 2020 
timeline
  • Applications open: Sept. 28, 2020
  • Application deadline: Nov. 6, 2020
  • Grant announcements: mid-Jan. 2021
  • Grant implementation deadline: April 30, 2021
VISUAL ARTS CATEGORIES: 

Painting, drawing, illustration, mixed- media, multiple-media and any other new or alternative media, assemblage, collage, construction, installation, pottery, ceramics, printmaking, book arts, design, craft, textile arts, photography, works on paper, conceptual art, graphic/digital art, video art, film, sculpture (of any type of material), and public art.    

EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS: 
  • building a website where people can buy work 
  • purchasing supplies and materials for a new series of works 
  • covering fees and shipping costs to participate in an out-of-town show 
  • attending a workshop to learn new glazing techniques
SELECTION CRITERIA: 
  • artistic quality and artistic merit of the work 
  • commitment to pursuing a professional career 
  • feasibility of the proposed project

Apply for support

Applications cannot be saved as drafts. It is recommended to prepare any written responses outside of this online form and gather all required information and documents beforehand.

About you

Mailing Address *
Mailing Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Age *
Gender *
Do you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community? *
Race/Ethnicity - select all that apply *
Do you identify as having any of the following: *
Please provide a brief introduction of you as an artist. (3-4 sentences)
Artist Biography - share a brief video (optional)

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Proposal Narrative

In this part of the application, you will answer four narrative questions about you as an artist and about the artwork you create. Please assume that the reader knows nothing about you or your work.

Project Budget

To the best of your ability, please describe your proposed project expenses and the estimated cost for each item.

Work Samples

Provide your resumé, two pieces of professional documentation, and up to five different work samples. Work samples should represent work created within the last year.
Resume/CV

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

No longer than three pages detailing your professional experience. THIS IS OPTIONAL.
Professional Documentation (two pieces)

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Two pieces that may include articles, letters of support, programs, reviews, or anything concerning your professional experience. Scanned documents are acceptable.
Work Sample #1

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Please provide the title of the work and give a brief description including size and medium. 
Work Sample #2

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Please provide the title of the work and give a brief description including size and medium. 
Work Sample #3

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Please provide the title of the work and give a brief description including size and medium. 
Work Sample #4

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Please provide the title of the work and give a brief description including size and medium. 
Work Sample #5

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Please provide the title of the work and give a brief description including size and medium.