Take Action to invest in artists, organizations

The Creative Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange (CACHE) recently established Take Action, a new program that will invest $130,000 in artists and arts organizations in Northwest Arkansas. The program is supported by the Walton Family Foundation.

Artists in Benton or Washington counties can apply for $1,000 support, and arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups can apply for $5,000 to hire professional consultants who support business and operational development. Eligible services include marketing and branding strategy, financial planning and accounting, legal support, fundraising strategy, tax preparation and organizational systems development.

According to a news release, Take Action invests in the behind-the-scenes systems that allow creative work to thrive in the long term. Applicants should identify a capacity-building goal and explain how support will strengthen their practice or organization.

The grant is valid until Dec. 1 and is first-come, first-served until the money runs out. It could support more than 100 artists or dozens of arts organizations, depending on who applies first.

“We believe artists and arts organizations deserve support to build strong, sustainable careers here in Northwest Arkansas,” said Kelsey Howard, executive director of CACHE. “We understand that being an artist or running an arts organization takes more work than just creating great community programs, exhibitions, or performances. It also means navigating budgets, contracts, marketing, fundraising, operations, and the long-term work of sustaining a practice or organization. Take Action is designed to help creatives access the tools, systems and expertise that help make that possible.”

Link here for more information about the new program.