The Maine Arts Commission has announced two new grants to support job creation and the strengthening of the state’s creative workforce. Individual artists and nonprofit organizations are welcome to apply for an Art Jobs Grant, with maximum awards up to $15,000. All applications must be submitted to the Maine Arts Commission by Nov. 18, 2021.

The goal of the Arts Jobs Grant is to support public projects that develop opportunities for Maine artists and encourage employee retention. The Arts Jobs Grant is made possible through funding by the National Endowment for the Arts as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

“The Covid pandemic has affected creative workers in nearly every aspect of the cultural life of Maine. Our use of Federal ARPA funding is aimed at providing some positive steps as many of our institutions and individual artists rebuild their practices following 18 months of uncertainty,” Arts Commission executive director David Greenham said, “but it’s just a start. More needs to be done and we are working to encourage our partners in the state and federal government, and in the private sector to join us in this work. Maine’s cultural life is something we all cherish, and our creative workers deserve our continued attention and support as we discover what life looks like in a post-pandemic world.”

There are two grant opportunities available — one for artists and one for organizations. Non-arts organizations are welcome to apply if the organization can demonstrate their mission is connected to the purpose of the grant and aligns with the established activities of the applicant. 

The Arts Commission encourages applications from a variety of eligible organizations including those that serve populations whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by ethnicity, economics, geography, or disability. Projects with small and medium-sized budgets and from rural to urban parts of the state are encouraged to apply. Those applying to the Arts Commission for the first time are encouraged to speak with a program director before beginning their application process.

The Maine Arts Commission staff is working to ensure that all applicants receive the support they need to navigate every step of the application and grant-fulfillment process. We recommend contacting a staff person a minimum of two-weeks prior to submitting your application.

For specific questions, contact executive director David Greenham at David.Greenham@maine.gov. For general questions, contact grants director Kerstin Gilg at Kerstin.gilg@maine.gov.