DAYTON, OH (August 5, 2021) Beginning August 9, Montgomery County, Ohio, artists can apply for grants of up to $3,000 through the Artist Opportunity Grant program funded by the Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District (MCACD) and administered by Culture Works.

Artists in all disciplines can request funding to create new works or pursue imminent professional development opportunities such as fellowships, residencies, workshops, and apprenticeships. Projects must take place between January 1 and December 31, 2022 and should represent a meaningful advancement of the artist’s career.

The MCACD is providing $40,000 for the 2021–2022 cycle. “MCACD is pleased to again make these funds available to the community,” said Matt Dunn, MCACD Executive Director. “MCACD has a long history of valuing artists and encouraging their professional development,” he explained, “and in these times coming out of the pandemic, we know artists were hard-hit, but we also know that the arts have a tremendous impact on the well-being and vibrancy of our community.”

Since the program’s launch in 2016, Artist Opportunity Grants have nurtured the careers of 64 local artists, including writers, filmmakers, actors, musicians, dancers, visual artists, and more. In the most recent cycle, visual artist Mychaelyn Michalec was awarded funding to create and document textile works for her first major solo exhibition, which will be on display at The Contemporary Dayton from August 6 through October 24. Other recent grantees include spoken word artist A. Slate, who adapted her autobiographical works into a virtual theatrical production—Five Graceful Shifts—which premiered in late 2020, and Umvikeli G. Scott Jones, who is in the process of creating an original album that draws from jazz, hip-hop, and classical styles.

“It is so important that artists have the funding and tools necessary for artmaking,” said Lisa Hanson, President & CEO of Culture Works. “Artmaking captures, distills, and transforms the human experience. By providing resources that support artistic growth for individual artists, we empower them to create opportunities for elastic thinking. Culture Works is grateful to Montgomery County for placing importance on advancing community artists, which ultimately enriches life for everyone!”

Artists can apply for Artist Opportunity Grants through the Culture Works website from August 9 through October 8. First-time applicants can learn more about the application process and program expectations during a virtual grant workshop, which will be hosted by Culture Works via Zoom on August 31. An independent grant panel will review eligible applications and make funding recommendations at a public meeting in late November. Additional details about the panel meeting will be posted online later in the fall.

To learn more about the Artist Opportunity Grant program, visit cultureworks.org.

ABOUT CULTURE WORKS
Culture Works is the funding, advocacy, and service organization that passionately inspires, supports, and sustains arts and culture in the Dayton Region. As the united arts fund and arts service agency for the Dayton Region, Culture Works believes that creating and maintaining a vibrant and attractive community filled with quality arts brings measurable and immeasurable value to our citizens. From providing inspiring educational opportunities for our children, to attracting and retaining employees in our region, to adding beauty and entertainment to our lives, arts and culture reflect all the best and most beautiful parts of who we are.

ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY ARTS AND CULTURAL DISTRICT
The MCACD is a special purpose unit of Montgomery County government. Montgomery County believes the arts play a valuable role in our quality of life, education, workplace creativity and more. The arts can also build community and break down barriers by bringing people together for common experiences and to share in each other’s culture.