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SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has partnered with New England-based Assets for Artists to distribute $37,500 in grants to 15 local artists.
The capacity-building grants are funded by the Community Foundation’s ValleyCreates Program. Selected artists receive an unrestricted $2,500 grant in addition to one-on-one coaching sessions, professional development workshops, and individualized support and resources from the nonprofit Assets for Artists.
“Our capacity-building program continues to reflect our shared commitment to supporting brilliant artists living and working here,” said Community Foundation CEO Megan Burke in a provided statement. “At a time when support for the arts is increasingly uncertain, we believe it’s more important than ever before to invest directly in our local artists. This partnership results from our shared commitment to ensure that creative lives have reliable support, no matter what is happening elsewhere.”
Funding prioritization is given to historically under-resourced artists, including artists from low-income, rural, and BIPOC communities.
The artists selected this year work across multiple disciplines and represent creative endeavors from across Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties.
Selected artists include: A U R, of Springfield; Gri Martinez Saex, of Springfield; Julieth Cabral, of Wilbraham; Taija New, of Chicopee; Talysha Rivera, of Springfield; Camille Asia, of Northampton; Elayna Jason, of Northampton; Francesca Baron, of Northampton; Tableek, of South Hadley; Kalyani Kastor, of Hadley; Patric Madden/Dame Judi Dentures, of Northampton;
Since 2008, more than 900 artists have been supported through the Assets for Artists’ capacity-building program in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and beyond. The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has partnered with Assets for Artists since 2020.
For more information about the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts ValleyCreates Program, go online to communityfoundation.org/nonprofits/valleycreates/. For more information about Assets for Artists, visit assetsforartists.org.
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