Washtenaw Artist Grants

The Washtenaw Artist Grants program, in partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, promotes racial equity and supports local artists in Washtenaw County. It funds community-based projects that enrich the artistic landscape and engage diverse audiences. Eligible projects include exhibitions, performances, and arts education, focusing on BIPOC communities. Grants can cover artist fees, materials, and other project costs, fostering inclusive cultural experiences for residents.

Advancing Equity in Washtenaw County
With a focus on racial equity, the Washtenaw Artist Grant program supports artists in Washtenaw County working on either new or existing community-based projects. In partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), this grant program seeks to activate the artistic and cultural identity of all people in Washtenaw County and support access to local arts and cultural experiences through its support of artist-led, participatory projects.
We hope this grant will help with the project you are newly or continuing to work on that ultimately contributes to the rich artistic and cultural landscape of Washtenaw County and benefits its residents. It can be used to pay artists you might be working with, supplies and materials, space rentals, permits, marketing expenses, and any other project-related costs.
Artist-led projects are artistic and/or cultural projects that are led (run, managed, conceived, designed, produced, and/or presented) by artists. Examples of projects include: exhibitions, performances, festivals, arts educational programs, arts-focused workshops, works-in-progress, cultural celebrations, and more. The definition of projects is very expansive and we expect artists leading these projects to have a creative vision for their work, and how they will be shared with the public.

Eligibility

What type of projects are eligible?Projects that serve and collaborate with and/or are led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.Projects that are led by artists who live and work in Washtenaw County.Projects that will take place in Washtenaw County.Projects that are publicly-shared and invite people in to experience the work, process, event, or activity.Existing projects or new projects that fit the above requirements.Artists may apply as individuals, as well as artists groups, or collectives. A group of artists should submit only one application, including the names of all involved artists.The lead artist on the application will receive the funds for the proposed project.

Ineligibility

What type of projects are ineligible?Projects that do not serve and collaborate with BIPOC communities.Projects that are not led by artists. Projects organized by existing incorporated entities (includes B Corps or any other corporation; 501(c)(3) organizations; 501(c)(4) organizations), universities or schools (private, public, charter), religious institutions, or municipalities.Projects that are not based in Washtenaw County.Projects that do not have a public component.Projects led by students currently enrolled in high school, college, and/or university programs.Projects seeking support retroactively or seeking reimbursement for a past project.