Waltons to support artistic endeavors
by May 22, 2018 2:11 pm 508 views
A pilot program called Artists 360 began accepting applications on May 1 for $440,000 in competitive grants for artists in Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian and Washington counties.
Steuart and Tom Walton of the Walton Family Foundation believe Northwest Arkansas is ripe as a creative ecosystem but want to make more resources available in the form of grants, professional development, networking and promotion.
The program is open to visual, performing, literary and traditional arts — from film, media, dance and poetry to heritage storytelling and crafts. It seeks diverse perspectives, disciplines and experience levels.
Successful candidates will demonstrate artistic excellence and advanced practices. Artists can seek funding for four categories: for touring/presenting artistic work within and outside of Arkansas; for support in completing
a well-articulated artistic project; for research/apprenticeships/specialized training; or for tackling complex projects with a social impact on the region, particularly for marginalized groups.
The selection panel includes artists, curators and arts professionals from across the country. Mid-America Arts Alliance of Kansas City is overseeing the program.
Over three years, 60 artists with the most compelling proposals will receive grants, 20 each year. Approximately 15 practicing artists will receive $7,500, and up to five student artists will receive $1,500.
Applications are submitted online at artists360.art. Informational meetings are now being held in cities throughout the region. The application deadline is July 16.
The first cohort of awards will be announced this fall. Two identical cycles will follow in 2019 and 2020.