Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship, in partnership with Vermont Public
MONTPELIER — The Vermont Arts Council is accepting applications for its annual Creation Grants through April 5.
“Creation Grants exist to support Vermont artists in creating new work,” said Amy Cunningham, deputy director of the Vermont Arts Council.
Both emerging and established artists — as well as artist groups across all disciplines — are eligible to apply, Cunningham said.
“To qualify, you need to be a Vermont resident, be at least 18 years old, and be a practicing artist,” she said.
The Vermont Arts Council has awarded hundreds of these grants since the program began in 2009.
This year, most awards will be a flat $5,000. Artists can also apply for a new $10,000 grant designed for performing arts groups.
“A few grant awards will be larger to reflect the fact that large-scale productions can be considerably more expensive than creation in other disciplines,” Cunningham said.
Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of practicing artists, who evaluate proposals based on artistic excellence, project management and impact.
“Everyone who applies will have their application reviewed by at least two people working in their discipline,” Cunningham said.
Although many federal arts grants were canceled last year, Cunningham said Vermont has maintained consistent state and private support.
“A lot of arts and culture funding has been impacted in lots of ways — it’s all one ecosystem,” she said. “But despite considerable disruptions at the [National Endowment for the Arts], the funding that state arts agencies receive has stayed steady.”