McCain Artist Grant

McCain Artist Grant is sponsored by Erie Arts & Culture. This is an unrestricted award that supports Erie County artists across career levels and creative disciplines. Grantees can use the funds as they see fit.

Grant to Advance Artist Opportunities Lydia McCain’s commitment to the arts ensured that artists and arts organizations with a strong vision have access to resources that help them reach their full potential. The Lydia McCain Grant to Advance Artist Opportunities provides funding for artists in Erie County who have a strong artistic vision and a timely opportunity that will help advance their artistic career.

Examples of such opportunities may include exhibitions and performances, visiting artist residencies, leading a community-centered arts-based project, and more.

Eligibility: Erie County residents Application window: January 1 - March 15 Grant activity period: June - May Notification Date: May 30 Eligible Use of Grant Funds Professional third-party services (e.g., representation, marketing, photography, web development, accounting) Equipment lease or purchases Workshop/conference registration fees Fees related to artist residencies Transportation/shipping of work for exhibition/display Reimbursement for expenses incurred for activities occurring within the identified activity period Ineligible Uses of Grant Funds Expenses related to any degree-granting program Activities that have already taken place or will take place outside of the grant period Living expenses not tied to a specific project or opportunity (e.g., rent, utilities) Erie Arts and Culture arts-in-education teaching artist residency host site match Must be at least 18 years of age Must be a practicing artist creating original work with a demonstrated commitment to advancing their professional creative career Must be a legal resident of Erie County Must not have received a Lydia McCain Grant to Advance Artist Opportunities in the past three years Eligible for a maximum of three Lydia McCain Grants to Advance Artist Opportunities in a lifetime Must not have any overdue grant reports from past funding cycles administered by Erie Arts and Culture Must not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, marital status, gender, or gender identity Artist Statement, Bio, and CV Opportunity Analysis: Describe the opportunity, its time sensitivity, and its impact on your career Budget: Outline the full cost of the opportunity, how you will cover any shortfall, and specific costs to be covered by the grant Work Samples: Provide samples of your work or links to your portfolio, website, or relevant media Engagement with Erie Arts and Culture: Detail any previous interactions with Erie Arts and Culture’s capacity building services Opportunity Analysis (50%) Clarity and relevance of the opportunity Impact on career growth and artistic practice Time sensitivity of the opportunity Detailed and compliant budget Justified use of grant funds Quality and commitment demonstrated in the portfolio Previous engagement with Erie Arts and Culture EAC staff review for eligibility, a panel of industry experts scores applications and makes a funding recommendation.

The Programs Committee approves that recommendation and presents it to the Board of Directors for final approval. Ready to apply? Use the button below to access the application via Submittable.

Please note, the application is only visible during the application window. Questions? If you have any questions or need more detailed information, please contact our team at info@erieartsandculture.

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