GAC and the City of Guelph are excited to announce the launch of the Activating Art Micro-Grant program, which will provide funding to support existing and emerging artists in the community. This program recognizes the arts as an important vehicle for social change and offers funding for Guelph artists to engage with the community in creative ways and/or produce a complete work that is available to the public.
More than this, it signals an important shift. Often, grants are written by artists and creatives on the basis of what the granting body wants to see. This results in a dynamic where an artist feels the need to shift or adapt their work to match the demands of the grant. In that context, the granting body becomes another barrier – a gatekeeper. The application and methodology behind the Activating Art Micro-Grant program are an attempt to reverse this dynamic: tell us what you do, and if we can, we will fund it. We are supporting the artist in the act of creation, but taking ourselves out of the process. We are facilitating your creation.
And when we say your creation and artistic works, we want that to be a true “your”. Projects and initiatives that center equity and reconciliation, as well as those led by individuals identifying as Indigenous, Black, or as a member of an equity-deserving group including racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities are prioritized for funding.
The micro-grants are available for projects or initiatives that request a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $1000. Eligible projects include creating art that is made publicly available: something you can share. It doesn’t have to be a large performance, or in a gallery. It can be online, or on social media. Making music and releasing it on Soundcloud? That counts. Photography on 500px? That counts, too. The micro-grant program is open to all, and no previous grant writing experience is required.
Applications are open to artists and individuals, collectives, grassroots and neighbourhood groups, informal groups, and groups incorporated not-for-profit with 1 FTE or less. Individuals and groups must include at least one individual who is 18 years or older. Youth 16 years and older are eligible for the Activating Art Micro-Grant funding.
Grant funding can be used for typical costs for community involvement and/or artistic projects occurring in 2023. This can include costs such as event space rental, refreshments, supplies/materials to be used for a community event or the creation of artistic work, production or technical fees related to an artistic work/performances/events that will be publicly accessible, and fees for artists and honoraria for experts/guests.
Applications are reviewed by grant selection committees based on an established set of criteria that include overall impact and equity. Application review will occur from March 24, 2023, to April 20, 2023.
City of Guelph staff and their immediate family members, staff and/or grant review committee members from the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition and Guelph Arts Council, and their immediate family members cannot apply.
Applications can be submitted using an online application available at guelph.ca/grants. Paper copies of applications and additional assistance are available by contacting [email protected] or 519-822-1260 ext. 3967 before March 21, 2023.
The Activating Art Micro-Grant program is an incredible opportunity for artists in the community to get funding and support for their creative initiatives. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting program and apply for a micro-grant today!
To read the application guidelines follow the link: https://guelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/Activating-Community-Micro-Grants-Guide.pdf
To access the application follow the link: https://guelph.ca/city-hall/budget-and-finance/grant-applications/activating-community-micro-grant/
