The 2022–2023 Artist Opportunity Grant program will provide grants of up to $3,000 to Montgomery County artists to create new works and pursue imminent opportunities for professional development, such as residences, apprenticeships, and skill-building workshops. Funded projects must take place between March 1, 2023 and February 29, 2024.
The Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District (MCACD), which funds the program, is providing $60,000 for this grant cycle—a significant increase from previous years. “Montgomery County recognizes the role artists play in our quality of life, and for being a catalyst for healing and important community conversations,” said the MCACD’s Executive Director, Matt Dunn. “It is our pleasure to contribute to their work and to support their growth and careers as artists,” he said.
Since it began in 2016, the Artist Opportunity Grant program has supported the work of more than 70 local artists. Culture Works, the Dayton Region’s united arts fund and advocacy agency, which administers the grant, sees the program’s goal of elevating and empowering artists as essential to the health of the larger community.
“Art, in its many forms, is inspirational, influential, and can have long-term positive impacts on our community,” said Lisa Hanson, President & CEO of Culture Works. “It is amazing that we live in a community that cares about art and supports the artists who create it! We are grateful to the Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District for making this program possible and increasing the funding for the upcoming grant cycle.”
Montgomery County artists can apply through the Culture Works website, cultureworks.org, beginning October 3rd. The deadline to apply will be December 2nd. An independent panel of artists, arts administrators, and community leaders will review applications and make funding recommendations at a public meeting in January of next year.
Full program guidelines, key dates, and additional resources will be posted to the Culture Works website. Culture Works will also host a virtual info session for first-time applicants in late October.