Access and Opportunity Grants

The Access and Opportunity Grants program provides grant-funded support for artists traditionally not found at the "funding table." This program evolved from ArtsBuild's Equity in the Arts grant program active in 2017 and 2018.

Purpose: Support the work of diverse artists who are reflective of the community and provide more equitable grant funding. The current evolved grant program strives to be more inclusive while maintaining focus on equity.

Geographic Scope: Hamilton County, Tennessee (with focus on Chattanooga area)

Funding Categories:

• Artist Works
• Equipment
• Professional Development

Focus: Each year, a different group is prioritized for grant funding to ensure rotating equity focus

Track Record: Since 2021, 24 artists have been recommended for funding, totaling $202,237. For many of the artists who receive this funding, it is their first major artist grant.

Funding Sources: Individual donors, Lyndhurst Foundation, and Benwood Foundation

Historical Programs:

• 2022 Equity Grants
• 2021 Equity Grants
• 2021 REGIA - Black Artists Grantees
• 2022 REGIA - Latinx Artists Grantees

Application Process

• Submit application through ArtsBuild's grant system
• Applications evaluated for diverse artists reflective of community
• Focus on equity and access to funding for underrepresented artists
• Award amounts up to $10,000 across three funding categories

Priority Groups: Different demographic groups prioritized each year for grant funding

Contact: For questions about current year priorities and application details, contact ArtsBuild