AcA opens grant applications

LAFAYETTE — Acadiana Center for the Arts and Lafayette Economic Development Authority announce a call for applications to ArtSpark, a program that supports artists, musicians and other creative workers in the advancement of their careers.
The program also develops these artists’ entrepreneurial skills by providing business and marketing training for successful applicants in partnership with Opportunity Machine.
Applications for the 2022 ArtSpark program can be submitted through the online application at acadianacenterforthearts.org until Feb. 24.
“Acadiana’s artists, musicians, writers, and performers are the backbone of our region’s national identity,” AcA Executive Director Samuel Olvier said. “I’m grateful for LEDA’s support of ArtSpark, which lets us invest in those hardworking creative people on whose backs we enjoy our national reputation as a vibrant cultural hub in the American South.”
ArtSpark awards support emerging, mid-career and mature artists across Acadiana, especially those with otherwise limited opportunities. Projects must be completed between April 1 and
Dec. 1, 2023, and grants of $1,000 to $5,000 will be awarded to several applicants.
The grant funds can be used to expand an artist’s body of work for specific, short-term projects, and projects in virtually any creative discipline qualify. Additionally, the artists are presented with a unique opportunity to engage with the community through sharing their artistic skills.
“In addition to playing a significant role in our community’s cultural identity, support for artist entrepreneurs is a component of LEDA’s economic development efforts,” LEDA’s Executive Director Mandi Mitchell said. “Every artist is a small business adding to the region’s rich culture and adding to our economic strength. Having a thriving and vibrant arts community is one of the cornerstones of Acadiana’s outstanding quality of life that is attractive to prospective residents and businesses. The ArtSpark program has been successful in turning many artists’ ideas into viable businesses that enrich the community, enhance our quality of life, and serve as inspiration for future artists.”
This year, the AcA is introducing open office hours and working sessions for anyone interested in gaining real-time assistance while working on their applications. Prospective applicants can join AcA staff in-person at Lamp Lighter Coffeehouse & Bistro in Franklin, AcA in Lafayette, NUNU’s in Arnaudville, A&E Studios in New Iberia, amongst others, during the submission period.
Full dates and times are listed on AcA’s website.
The AcA will be hosting a hybrid online and in-person information session to review guidelines and the application process. This will be followed by a Q&A session with attendees.
Registration for the Information Session on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 5:30 p.m. is online at www.simpletix.com/e/arts park-award-information- session-tickets-120778.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact AcA staff to discuss their project ideas before submitting an application. Direct any inquiries to: Anna@AcadianaCenterForThe Arts.org.
More information, including guidelines and submission portal are available on the AcA’s website at https://acadianacenterforthearts.org/resources-for-artists/artspark/.