Roberts Foundation - Creation of New Work Initiative Grant

Roberts Foundation - Creation of New Work Initiative Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation
Last Updated: February 04, 2026

Summary

The Roberts Foundation's Creation of New Work Initiative Grant supports local artists and arts organizations in Greater Hartford. Established in 2003, it fosters creativity and collaboration, particularly prioritizing projects celebrating America 250 by 2026. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) arts organizations that collaborate with artists residing in specified Connecticut areas. The initiative aims to benefit the community through newly created works, enhancing the arts landscape while supporting artists of color and promoting excellence in the arts.

Overview

NOTE: Please contact the executive director to discuss your organization’s project before applying. Creation of New Work Initiative Grant Initiated in 2003, the foundation offers a special grant program designed to: Foster creativity in Greater Hartford by supporting local artists in the creation of new workFoster collaborations between artists and arts organizations that benefit the artist, the organization and the communityFurther the foundation’s mission to support and encourage excellence in the arts in Hartford and the immediately surrounding community We hope this new program will provide greater support for artists of color in the Greater Hartford.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who may apply:501(c)(3) arts organizations in the foundation’s geographic giving area.Organizations may apply for either the Creation of New Work grant or an Excellence in the Arts grant within a calendar year. Should an organization’s Creation of New Work application be declined, it may apply for an Excellence in Arts grant in a subsequent cycle.Projects under the Creation of New Work Initiative must involve collaboration between an artist or artists and an arts organization. A specific artist or artists must be named in the request. Residencies (in which the artist works on-site over a period of time) and commissions (in which the artist may work on his or her own) will be considered.CNW is designed to support local artists. To be eligible, all artists affiliated with the project must primarily live or work on their art in:Hartford, Avon, Berlin, Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, Farmington, Glastonbury, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, South Windsor, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.The result of the collaboration must be new work that is exhibited for the benefit of the community.As of 2023, you may apply for visual or performing arts programs. Sponsoring organizations are not restricted by their primary genre. For example, a theater may apply for a CNW grant if the resulting work is a visual arts or film piece.Sponsoring organizations may apply for a CNW grant in consecutive years. However, if the organization received a CNW award previously, the project funded by that award must be completed prior to a new grant submission.The artist(s) must complete their project within 24 months of the grant award.

Ineligibility

Artists may not apply directly to the foundation but must seek out a partnering organization in the foundation’s geographic giving area.Artists may not apply for a CNW grant in consecutive years.