Call for Proposals: Artist Get Ready Grants (US)

Priority is given to applicants that have been underrepresented in the craft community including BIPOC and folk/traditional artists.

Funding Information

• Grant amount: up to $1,000.

Eligible Activities

• Studio Safeguards
  • Safety equipment
  • Upgrading studio and/or equipment to improve studio health and safety
  • Contractor consulting
  • Purchasing safer materials and supplies
  • Purchasing a stronger tent, display wall, or weights for participating in outdoor fairs
• Emergency/Disaster Readiness
  • Emergency tools, supplies and equipment
  • Upgrading studio to reduce disaster risk
  • Contractor consulting
  • Theft protection measures
• Business Protection & Support
  • Documentation and archiving
  • Inventory software
  • Business planning for continuity and contingencies
  • Creating secure business record-keeping systems
  • Tutorials or training in e-commerce
  • Professional photography of their craft portfolio
  • Employing the services of website designers
  • Short-term support for childcare to allow studio work time
• Career Protection
  • Legacy or estate planning
  • Financial planning services
  • Documentation or digitization of artwork and/or related records
  • Legal counsel
  • Enrolling in a professional development course or workshop to enhance career protection

Ineligible Activities

• Art making projects are not eligible for Get Ready Grants. Only projects for safeguarding studios, protecting studios, implementing other safety measures, or business or career protection will be considered eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be an artist working in a craft discipline
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have been residing and working in the U.S. or U.S. Territories for the last two years
• Not have received a Get Ready Grant in the previous calendar year

Selection Criteria

• Applications will be evaluated to determine whether the applicant:
  • Has proposed an eligible and feasible project
  • Has included a budget that accounts for any additional costs
  • Has included a plan for sharing their project
• Priority will be given to applications from people who identify in the global majority or as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and folk and traditional artists.

Application Requirements

• A written narrative (400 word maximum) or short video that includes:
  • A description of the proposed project
  • An explanation of how this project will support you in safeguarding your studio, preparing for emergencies, or protecting your business and practice
  • An explanation of how the readiness activity will be continued after the grant funds have been expended, if applicable
• Documentation of craft artwork and recent engagement or participation in the community:
  • 5 high resolution images of your artwork created within the past three years (.gif, .jpeg, or .tiff format)
  • A photograph of yourself making craft art in your studio, at your booth at a show, teaching, or otherwise engaged in your artistic practice. If you are wearing a mask in your best portrait, please include a second image where they can see your face.
  • A resume or narrative detailing your accomplishments as an artist working in a craft discipline. If applicable, the resume should list exhibitions and shows; publications featuring your work; awards; education; teaching experiences; and/or any other accomplishments that will help them evaluate your practice as a professional artist working in a craft discipline.

For more information, visit CERF.