The Kent Cultural Alliance announces 2023 Independent Artist Grants for Kent County Artists.
The Kent Cultural Alliance (KCA) will open applications for the 2023 Independent Artist Grants application in on April 17. These $500 grants are open to any artist who is living and creating in Kent County. This will be a one-time cash grant, made possible by Arts Relief funding from the Maryland State Arts Council. With the end of public pandemic relief funding upon us, ongoing funding for the Independent Artist Grant will be raised by the KCA. The KCA’s Grand Opening Weekend Concert on March 25th brought in nearly $4,000 to seed this fund for 2024 grants.
The application window will open on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 10 am. It will close on Sunday April 30, 2023 at midnight. The application includes questions about the artists’ practice, plans for using funding and the exhibition of their work. (As with all KCA funding, these grants are only available to Kent County residents. If you do not live in Kent County, please contact your County Arts Council to inquire about funding in your county.)
It is not a requirement of this grant that art is your primary source of income. The KCA’s definition of art is multidisciplinary and includes practices often referred to as craft. The funds from this grant can be used to purchase supplies, go towards a studio rental, marketing costs, equipment repairs, or anything else that is directly related to your art. (Funds may not be used for travel)
The Kent Cultural Alliance serves the residents of Kent County supporting and creating inclusive artistic and cultural experiences designed to connect communities through shared conversations. In a change from 2023, and following a model created by the Maryland State Arts Council, all qualified applicants will have their names placed into a randomizer in order to select 40 artists to receive the funds. This will not be a first come/ first served process.
If you have any questions, please call the KCA at 410-778-3700 or email the Deputy Director, Hester Sachse at hester@kentculture.org
Artists can also pick up a paper application at the Raimond Center, 101 Spring Avenue, Chestertown, open Monday – Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.