Northampton Arts Council funds:
• Arts projects that include a public component, such as exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies, performances, workshops, readings, virtual presentations, and lectures held in Northampton, Florence or Leeds; this includes programming held in schools.
• Artists based in Northampton, Florence, and Leeds.
• Artists who reside in Massachusetts but whose project will be held in Northampton, Florence or Leeds. For individuals, "reside" does not mean they have to be a "legal resident" of Massachusetts as defined by the State for tax purposes. They simply need to reside in Massachusetts.
• Non-profit cultural and educational institutions that offer programs and events that bring arts to a Northampton area audience
• Work demonstrating the highest artistic merit.
• Projects that are financially feasible and have multiple sources of funding.
• If you are live streaming a public event, captions should be provided. In lieu of captions, you might consider having a message that says, “This event will be recorded and then embedded on our Youtube channel where captions and a transcript will be available." Before putting on a virtual program, you could ask people to register, and in the registration submission, ask people to communicate any accessibility needs with a deadline by which they need to let you know. It is easier to book a captioner and cancel (with at least 48 hrs notice) than to get one in 48 hours.
• Also note: Schools, not artists, should apply for projects that take place in schools
The Council does NOT fund:
• Projects or events completed prior to applying.
• Fundraising or profit-making events that do not benefit the arts.
• Continuation funding for projects already awarded a grant from the Arts Council.
• More than one application by the same artist or cultural group.
• General operating support.
• Refreshments or food.
• Money to replace municipal funding for the arts.
Supplemental materials are required.
All of our local grant priorities and information are listed here.
Northampton is participating in the MCC’s Direct Grant Program. Approved grantees will receive their funding upfront and not on a reimbursement basis.