Newark Grants: Funding Available For Artists, Musicians, Dancers

NEWARK, NJ — If you’re an artist, musician or writer in Newark with a great idea that just needs a little cash, here’s your chance.

On Jan. 31, Newark Arts will open applications for ArtStart, its annual mini-funding program that provides small grants to non-profit organizations and individual artists to create dance, theatre, visual and literary art projects that “benefit the residents and neighborhoods of Newark.”

Winning proposals will be awarded grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 each, organizers stated.

According to Newark Arts, the program serves the arts in locations that are “traditionally overlooked by other established grant programs.” In the past, ArtStart has funded schools of music and dance, local galleries, film and book projects, programs for children and seniors, and multidisciplinary community initiatives including neighborhood development plans.

Local success stories that have received grants include the Newark Print Shop, Newark Mommies and the Aferro Mobile Portrait Studio.

Since its inception, Newark Arts has made over 150 ArtStart grants, totaling more than $400,000, organizers said.

Applicants can download a form at Newarkarts.org/artstart starting Jan. 31. For more information and application guidelines, visit www.newarkarts.org/artstart, or contact Nikki at 973-643-1625, or via email at Nikki@newarkarts.org.

Funding for ArtStart was provided by Prudential Foundation, Bank of America, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Dodge Foundation, M&T Bank and the Turrell Foundation.

Patch file photo

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com