Spokane Arts offers money to artists - and information on how to apply for it

Spokane Arts wants to teach a man to fish. Or at least to show an artist how to ask for money.

The nonprofit local arts organization has funds to give away through its new Spokane Arts Grants Awards (SAGA) program. On Wednesday, Spokane Arts will offer a free workshop at the Downtown Public Library to provide the public with tips on how to craft a competitive application to win that money.

“We’ve heard from many artists who say that grant application processes can be difficult and overwhelming,” said Spokane Arts grants administrator Jennifer Knickerbocker. “Hopefully we have removed some of those barriers.”

Local musician/ designer/venue owner and arts commissioner Karli Ingersoll recently joked on Facebook that she would “harass” them forever if they didn’t take advantage of this opportunity for financial support.

“If you are a local musician and your excuse for not making records is that you can’t afford it, YOU’RE ABOUT TO RUN OUT OF THAT EXCUSE,” Ingersoll posted. “Now you can apply for some funding to go into the studio!”

The new program will offer grants to applicants from all disciplines. Artists can apply for up to $10,000. A panel will distribute the grants based on the criteria of artistic merit, solid management planning, and impact on the Spokane region. The first deadline to apply is Feb. 1. The awards will be announced March 1.

“I can’t wait to see how this grant program will help and encourage local groups, projects and artists,” Ingersoll said.

The workshop could be a first step for emerging artists looking for guidance on how best to present their ideas.

“We want to help people write effective grant proposals that are clear and understandable,” Knickerbocker said. “The ultimate goal of SAGA is to shape the story of the arts in Spokane.”

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