The Little Venue That Could Grant Program

Geographic Scope: New York City

Focus Areas: General operating support for small indie theater, dance, and multidisciplinary venues

Award Amount: $10,000 per year for two years (total $20,000 over two-year period)

Eligibility:

• NYC-based indie theater, dance, and multidisciplinary performance venues
• Fewer than 99 seats
• Expense budgets under $500,000
• Venues established by, for, and serving historically excluded artists
• Venues demonstrating community impact, board and staff diversity, and accessibility

Priority Criteria (weighted toward):

• Venues located in the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island
• Venues whose NEA funding was withdrawn or terminated
• Venues established by and serving historically excluded artists
• Venues demonstrating values-driven work through community impact
• Venues with diverse boards and staff
• Venues with strong accessibility practices

Program History:

• Developed in partnership with The Howard Gilman Foundation
• 2025 cycle: 62 applications received; 10 venues awarded
• 2025 recipients: Brooklyn Art Haus, Dixon Place, Green Space, Inspiration Point, IRT Theater, New Perspectives Studio, Noosphere Arts (Noo Arts), QED Astoria, St. Lydia's, The Little Victory Theatre

Selection Process: Weighted lottery system

• Applications reviewed and scored by review committee
• Priority given to venues meeting weighted criteria
• All applicants entered into random lottery

Background: Partnership with The Howard Gilman Foundation to provide sustained support for small venues that are foundational to NYC's indie theater ecosystem.

Application Process

Selection Method:

1. Applications reviewed and scored by IndieSpace Review Committee
2. Weighted lottery system applied
3. Priority given to venues meeting eligibility and weighted criteria
4. All eligible applicants entered into random lottery drawing
5. 10 venues selected as recipients

Review Committee (2025 cycle):

• Azure Osborne-Lee (Board Secretary, JACK)
• Carrie Blake (Research & Planning Consultant for the Arts)
• Christine Bruno (Disability Inclusion Consultant)
• Karesia Batan (Executive Director, Queensboro Dance Festival)
• Maya Quetzali Gonzalez (former Grants Manager, MAP Fund)
• Sándie Luna (Executive Director, ID Studio Theater)

Application Deadline: Unknown for next cycle; contact IndieSpace for current information

For More Information:

• Contact: hello@indiespace.org
• Visit: indiespace.org