ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

ArtsBuild affirms its commitment to recognizing, addressing and eradicating systemic inequity. We are still learning as we focus our energy on engaging and collaborating with the local arts community in arts grant-making, arts programming and arts advocacy work. We will continue to use our work to reduce injustices both within the arts sector and the broader community. We know that the arts can heal as well as help us to understand and connect with each other.

We remain committed to our mission of building stronger communities through the arts by:

• Continuing to make our grant-making programs more equitable;
• Using our mapping project to focus our programs and funding in under-served areas of Chattanooga - Hamilton County;
• Engaging our grantees with assistance in building boards, staff, and audiences reflective of our City’s diverse demographics;
• Empowering the “Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child” initiative to advocate for equitable and accessible arts education for all Hamilton County Schools students;
• Listening and taking action when people and or communities tell us we can do more or better..

Access and Opportunity Grants

The Access and Opportunity Grant program renews grant-funded support for diverse artists, building upon ArtsBuild’s Equity in the Arts grant program active in 2017 and 2018 and funded by Benwood Foundation. Equity in the Arts grants supported projects led by local Black and Latino artists.

The new Access and Opportunity grant program strives to support the work of diverse artists that are reflective of our community and is aimed at providing more equitable grant funding in our community. The program is for artists who represent the various demographics of our city, including race, gender, age, disability status, as well as artists who are veterans. Awards range from $5,000 - $10,000 per artist.

Grant funding is made available in three funding categories: Artist Works, Equipment, and Professional Development. Funding for ArtsBuild’s individual artist grants is provided by individual donors, Lyndhurst Foundation, Benwood
Foundation, Mark Making,and Footprint Foundation. Since 2020 ArtsBuild has awarded over $250,000 to thirty three different local artists.

Visit our Grant Making page to learn more about our amazing grantees.