The Society of Arts + Crafts believes that the pursuit of craft necessitates a problem-solving mindset: craft makers are explorers, researchers, material risk takers and small business owners. They pursue new ideas and solutions for their work with a deep understanding of their materials and processes. Their imagination and desire for lifelong learning offer craft artists exciting opportunities for discovery and interdisciplinary innovation. When craft artists are ready to bring their solutions and innovations to the next stage, however, they often lack the necessary funds to make investments toward their new direction. The goal of the Society of Arts + Crafts is to assist artists to bridge this gap.
The deadline has passed for this call.
Eligibility Requirements for Craft Innovation Jumpstarter
DEADLINE: Monday, February 17, 2025
Notifications to two (2) selected artists: Monday, February 28, 2025
COST: $30**
**We are committed to promoting equity in the arts and recognize the importance of alleviating financial stress. If you need a fee waiver, please reach out to us.
- Please have all your materials and files ready before beginning the application process; the SA+C entry system cannot save partial entries, and you cannot log in repeatedly to make changes or updates. You must start again if you neglect any documents or details the first time. Please review this sample form before starting your entry.
RESIDENCY:
Applicants must reside in the United States.
PURSUING INNOVATION:
The goal of the Society’s Craft Innovation Jumpstarter Program is to financially support craft artists who are pursuing ideas in their studio practice that represent something new for them. Examples of this are:
- introducing a different craft medium;
- incorporating a new tool into your craft practice or using an old tool in new ways;
- taking a new approach to craft education;
- an area not listed here (artist will be asked to specify).
Successful applicants will demonstrate achievement in and commitment to their craft or crafts.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Applications are accepted year-round. To be considered for our spring award cycle, applications must be received by Monday, February 17, 2025. Required files include up to 10 images of current work (72 dpi minimum, JPG or PNG file types) and PDFs of the applicant’s response to the following prompts (1,000 words maximum).
In your proposal, please address the following:
- Your biography and craft background; where are you in your career
- Your past and current projects that relate to your funding proposal: how does this fit into your growth as an artist?
- Your plan: what do you intend to do with the funding?
- Your craft career goals: how will this grant contribute to achieving them?
COST: $30*
*We are dedicated to promoting equity in the arts and understand the importance of ensuring that financial considerations do not create undue stress. If you require a fee waiver, please don’t hesitate to inform us. We are here to support you.
AWARDEE REQUIREMENTS:
If selected, awardees are responsible for the following:
- Inclusion of the Society’s logo on artist’s website and/or social media with link to the Society’s website.
- Participation in social media exchanges and takeover/account share weekends and other marketing/publicity efforts.
- Attendance at a virtual meeting with the SA+C to discuss artist’s work and progress after six months, potentially as an Instagram Live or Zoom event.
- Final briefing and video at the end of the year, to learn how it has impacted artist work and direction.
Craft Innovators in Our Community
Craft + Eco-Activism
Michelle Lougee, Artist-in-Residence 2019
Lougee brought together over 100 people of all ages to transform thousands of single-use plastic bags into a crocheted sculpture of sea creatures, and helped illustrate the impact discarded plastics have on the environment.
Craft + Machining
Chris Bathgate, Mentor Program Speaker
Bathgate is a self-taught machinist and metalworker who combined media in a new way to create an entirely new craft, and then created a successful career by using an on-demand business model.
Craft + Meteorology
Nathalie Miebach, CraftBoston Exhibitor
Miebach translates scientific data related to meteorology, ecology and oceanography into woven sculptures and musical scores — exploring how visual and musical aesthetics can be used to translate scientific systems.
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