Creative County Initiative Special Projects Grant

The Creative County Initiative Special Projects Grant aims to support innovative arts and culture projects in Essex County. With funding ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, this grant encourages collaborative placemaking and diversity in the arts. It prioritizes projects that foster systemic change and enhance community well-being, ensuring equitable access to resources for local artists and organizations. As a vital initiative, it reflects a commitment to uplifting the creative community through transformative artistic endeavors.

Note: Because of the strength and volume of submissions, and our deep commitment to supporting arts and culture in Essex County, we will not be able to fund a Cycle 2 without negatively impacting the valuable work that has been proposed.
Funding for the arts is more critical now than ever before
Public art brings people together. Sharing diverse cultures paves the way for understanding, civic discourse and collective problem solving. The Creative County suite of grantmaking programs helps ensure that local artists, nonprofits and creative collaborations have equitable access to funding so together we can:
Deepen engagement and investment in the creative sector.Enhance the visibility, reputation and new funding avenues for the arts.Inspire collaborative placemaking and public art projects by providing tools, templates and best practices.Increase capacity for cross-sector work and leadership development.
Special Project Grants
Funding for a uniquely innovative aspect of an overall program.
Creative County’s Special Project Grants, ranging from $2,000-$5,000, provide funding for a uniquely innovative aspect of an overall program within the following categories:
Advancement of cultural planningDiversity, equity, inclusion and accessPublic art or creative placemakingArts leadershipCreative space developmentOrganizational capacity building
Intention
To spark innovation and catalyze transformative artistic endeavors across Essex County. By funding projects that push boundaries and explore new possibilities, the Special Projects Grants play a crucial role in advancing CCl's mission to elevate arts and culture as essential components of community life, economic vitality, and collective well-being.

Eligibility

Any individual or group proposing an innovative project that elevates arts, culture, and creativity in Essex County.Grant payments can be made directly to the nonprofit or through a 501c3 fiscal sponsor

Ineligibility

The following is not eligible for funding:General operational expensesExisting program supportOne-off Events/Single Productions Expenses for projects that have already occurredProjects that are not related to Creative County's core vision