How can the arts help the disadvantaged in Stanislaus County? $1.8M grant will see
A $1.8 million program will support artists and organizations in Stanislaus County who create works targeted to disadvantaged communities.
The Stanislaus County Arts Council is participating in the Heartland Creative Corps grant program, administered by United Way of Merced County, according to a press release from the council.
The program is funded through the California Arts Council’s Creative Corps program.
“Art gives people a voice and the power to influence,” Keith Boggs, Stanislaus County Arts Council president, said in an email interview. “This particular grant is also a job creation program for artists and art groups.”
Heartland Creative Corps provides funding for artists to create projects within Merced, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties, the release said. United Way of Merced County was one of 14 statewide organizations selected by the California Arts Council (CAC) to administer the grant.
The $1.8 million is for Stanislaus County alone. The three counties get $4.2 million to split, based on population, according to an email from Ryan Foy, a board member for the arts council.
Artists, arts and social service organizations can apply for grant money through the Stanislaus County Arts Council. Projects must align with four focus areas:
● Public health awareness messages to stop the spread of COVID-19
● Public awareness related to water and energy conservation, climate mitigation and emergency preparedness, relief and recovery
● Civic engagement, including election participation
● Social justice and community engagement
As Boggs said, funding will act as job creation, with 80% going to artist salaries, according to the release.
The remaining 20% can be used for materials and administration, including working and living spaces and project supplies.
“We look to provide grants to artists, impact our region and increase the awareness and power of art within our communities,” the release said.
The projects created must benefit and impact communities within the bottom quartile of the Healthy Places Index, the release said. The index explores community conditions that impact life expectancy.
“Using a variety of art forms, including visual, performing and traditional arts, artists will advance positive community outcomes by creating locally focused, contextually and culturally public messaging and work,” the release said.
Grant and program listening sessions will be held this month to answer questions. Applicants will be able to access an online portal beginning Feb. 15, with funding decisions to be made in May for Phase 1 and in July for Phase 2. Projects must be completed by June 2024.
Those who want to apply to the program can visit www.stanislausarts.org or www.heartlandcreativecorps.org.
“We hope to provide artists and organizations in Stanislaus County the opportunity to voice their opinions, share their messages and represent both self and community through art and expression,” Boggs said. “We aim to increase awareness of the importance of the arts in the emotional and economic health of our community.”
