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During the 2022 state legislative session, the Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Creative Network advocated for increased investment in economic recovery for the creative sector. One outcome of this session was the allocation of $9 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Vermont Arts Council for grants to creative sector entities that have sustained economic harm due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
What are Creative Futures Grants?
Awards of up to $200,000 will be available to creative sector non-profits and for-profit businesses including sole proprietors that can demonstrate economic harm caused by or exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Funding amounts will be based on 2019 (pre-pandemic) operating revenue.
- These funds are for any regular operating expenses, including but not limited to payroll and benefits, utilities, rent and insurance.
- Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Severity of Covid-19 pandemic harm
- Community and cultural impact
- Economic impact
Full details are on the grant program web page.
What is the Creative Sector?
The creative sector economy is defined as the collective enterprises, organizations, and individuals whose products and services are rooted in artistic and creative content. Seven segments comprise Vermont’s creative economy: culture and heritage; design; film and media; literary arts & publishing; performing arts; specialty foods; and visual arts and crafts.
Key Dates
The program will be open for three rounds:
- Round 1: open Sept. 15--deadline Nov. 1; notifications by mid-December
- Round 2: open Jan. 3--deadline Feb. 28, 2023; notifications by mid-April
- Round 3: open May 1--deadline June 30, 2023; notifications by mid-August
Applications that are not funded in one round may bee re-considered in the next round.
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