Over 878K Requested in MakeWork Arts Grants
Chattanooga’s arts community is buzzing with anticipation following the March 31st deadline for submitting MakeWork grant applications. MakeWork’s deadline brought in 96 applications requesting a total of over $878,000 in funding, roughly six times the amount of award money available. Competition for MakeWork’s $150,000 is extremely tight.
MakeWork supports the entire value chain of creativity, helping emerging to well-established artists and artisans develop economic sustainability. MakeWork applicants represent a broad range of creative endeavors, including traditional fine arts and crafts, film, fiber art, wood-turning, contemporary dance, cheese making, glass blowing, and puppeteering.
Recipients of the MakeWork grants will be announced by May 5th, following a two-tiered jury panel process calling on reputable local and out-of-town experts in the fields of arts and culture. On April 21st three jury panels composed of five local experts will meet, with each panel reviewing a separate grant category. Each panel will recommend finalists who will have the chance to appear before a final jury panel the following week. On April 28th the final jury panel consisting of three local and four out-of-town experts will award the MakeWork grants.
Chattanooga will benefit richly from the fresh ideas and renewed artistic energy flowing through the community as a result of the grant application process. By stimulating our city’s creative economy, MakeWork grants will empower artists and artisans with the tools necessary to succeed and grow.