As a Network of funders, recent Network meetings have reminded us that we have a lot we can learn from small, grassroots arts organizations and artist-led projects and programs. For example: What are the challenges - and benefits - of funding non-501c3 groups and individual artists? How can community-centered grassroots arts grantees inform funding needs around creative spaces, leadership, and other areas?
At the June meeting we will hear from leaders of two small arts organizations about their experiences, the unique challenges they face, and how we, as funders, can best support them through funding, capacity building, and facilitation of partnerships.
We will also hear from peer funders who have been working with smaller arts organizations and artists. They will talk with us about their processes and how they've built and maintained strong relationships. Whether you already fund small, grassroots arts organizations and artist-led projects or are considering doing this, this meeting is an excellent opportunity to learn from organizations and peer funders.
This session will be led by Rayana Grace of the Island Foundation and Karen Ristuben of the Essex County Community Foundation. It will feature presentations by Edwin Cabrera, Founder and Director of the newly formed Lynn Music Foundation and Tracy Furtado-Chagas, Executive Director of The Dream Out Loud Center for the Arts in New Bedford.
About the Network:
Massachusetts Arts Funders Network bi-monthly meetings provide a learning opportunity on an issue or trend facing the arts and cultural community coupled with a chance to network and update colleagues on their current work, challenges, and opportunities in a roundtable format.