Arts Innovator Micro Grants 2022

In 2020, Arts Connection launched the Arts Innovator Micro Grants program in order to directly serve the art practices of individual artists. Arts Connection offers one-time funding for San Bernardino County artists in the amount of $500 or $1000. Micro Grants are available for local projects that are free, open to the public and benefit county residents or that support artistic practice. Career Advancement Micro Grants are available for artists who are seeking assistance with funding for professional development opportunities, such as a workshop or a conference, or for key materials.  Arts Connection has awarded a total of 37 artists, giving $24,500 to date.

In 2020, $2,500 in funding was awarded to five artists. In 2021, eight artists received micro grants, and Arts Connection more than doubled its giving, awarding $6,000 in micro grants. Arts Connection had its most successful year of grantmaking in 2022, funding 24 artists and $16,000 in micro grants. Micro grants represented a broad range of artistic disciplines as well as a substantial geographic reach.

Arts Innovator Micro Grants programming served 8,056 attendees and participants of 13 micro grantees reported in 2022. Additionally, 11,911 viewers or listeners engaged with micro grant projects digitally. 100% of micro grantees reported that funds directly impacted the artists’ career or other artists as well their communities. Arts Connection celebrates the hard work of our grantees and the impact they have had on our community, and we are proud to assist in supporting the livelihoods of arts professionals.