Creators of Culture

Administrators: CultureSource

Funders: The Kresge Foundation, Erb Family Foundation, Hudson-Webber Foundation (original program); Kresge Foundation, Erb Family Foundation, Rocket Community Fund (fall 2021 cycle)

Geographic Scope: Metro Detroit / Southeast Michigan (seven counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair)

Program Purpose: Support grassroots creative activity in Southeast Michigan, particularly experimental and visionary arts projects by artists, collectives, and arts organizers. Created to support smaller, younger, less formal producers who do not meet minimum requirements of other funding initiatives (e.g., organizations without full-time staff).

2019 Program Summary:

• 191 applications received
• 41 grantees selected for $3,000 each
• Projects included theater productions, sound system restoration, community workshops, cultural workshops, and more
• Represented diverse geographic areas across metro Detroit and supported individual artists as well as organizations

2021 Program Update:

• Around 30 grants of $3,000 each planned
• Focus on arts organizers and curators working on experimental, visionary arts projects
• 2021 deadline was November 8

Past Award Categories: Arts groups, projects, collectives, individual artists

Application Process

For 2021 Cycle (as example):

• Online application
• Open to arts organizers, curators, artists, and collectives
• Focus on experimental and visionary arts projects
• Project must demonstrate creative contribution to community

General Requirements:

• Grassroots creative activity
• Public benefit/community impact
• Can be formal or informal entities
• Individual artists and collectives eligible