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.
Eligibility Requirements for Craft Innovation Jumpstarter
RESIDENCY: Applicants must reside in New England (defined as Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).
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 summer award cycle, applications must be received by June 5, 2023. To be considered for our winter award cycle, applications must be received by Nov. 5, 2023. 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?
AWARDEE REQUIREMENTS: If selected, awardees are responsible for the following:
– Availability at Award Ceremony (late June or mid-December, exact date TBA) in Boston, MA. A stipend of $300 for travel is available.
– Inclusion of the Society’s logo on artist’s website and/or social media with link to the Society’s website.
– Attendance at a virtual meeting with juror(s) to discuss artist’s work and progress after six months.
– Submission of a 1-page written report of results after one year.
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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