I was awarded a microgrant of $1000 from Pat the Dog Theatre Company in January 2022. The microgrant was awarded to 35 emerging artists in Waterloo Region. For the grant I proposed to make a series of cyanotype prints of different wildflowers in Waterloo Region. I also proposed completing cyanotypes on different surfaces like canvas, fabric and wood.

Information about the Microgrant from Pat the Dog Theatre Company:

Pat the Dog Theatre Creation is delighted to announce the 2022 program of Micro-grants for Waterloo Region artists: 35 micro-grants of $1,000 each ($35,000 total) with each micro-grant representing the equivalent of 1-week paid work. This program is a continuation of the 2021 pilot for Waterloo Region and is made possible through the support of the City of Waterloo and the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation.

The micro-grant will instigate and spark the first idea of a new artwork. This ‘kick-start’ is essential more than ever during the pause this pandemic has created for our local artists who depend on live gatherings to exhibit and perform their work. These grants will aide professional artists in investigation of their practice, with a focus on process, iterative learning, collaboration, and deep thinking. This program is a response to the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the necessity for artists to continue to delve into and develop their practice in imaginative and innovative ways.

To see all the artists who were awarded the grant - . https://patthedog.org/microgrants-waterloo-region-2022-results/

Here are the names of the jury members that decided who would receive the grants:

Tara Butler, Artistic Director, Dust and Soul Dance

Denis Longchamps, Executive Director, Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery

Shirley Madill, Executive Director, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery

Lisa O’Connell, Artistic Director, Pat the Dog Theatre Creation

Vanessa Spence, Artistic Director, Virtu Arts

I started the microgrant project by ordering some books on wildflowers in South-Western Ontario so that I could identify the wildflowers that grow in the Waterloo Region.

In June, I began harvesting the various wildflowers and making the cyanotypes of the wildflower designs.

In July, I experimented with the cyanotype process by printing on different surfaces. I completed the wildflower series.

In August, I will photograph the cyanotypes and adding the collection to website where they can be sold.

You can now see the cyanotypes made with wildflowers from this project. Click the button below!

See the Cyanotypes

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How to get an art grant

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How to get an artist grant? Is a common question for artists because being an artist can be difficult and financially frustrating. There are lots of things to pay for as an artist like your studio space, art materials, ongoing learning, travel and residency fees, website fees, domain name and more! If you find yourself asking how to get an artist grant -then keep reading!

Getting an artist grant helps to relieve the financial pressure and money insecurities that come with being an artist, especially an emerging artist that is just starting out. By the end of this article you won’t be asking how to get an artist grant again!

Jackie Partridge taking photos for her artist grant

How to Get an Artist Grant -the Steps

Research what grants you are eligible to apply for (make sure you check eligibility)
Record the deadlines for the grants
Start early at least two weeks but sooner is better than later!
Read the application instructions
Gather and prepare your materials for the artist grant
Fill out the application and double check
Proofread and have someone else read it too!
Submit and take some deep breaths!

Make Sure You Research the Artist Grant

Where can you find an artist grant? Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council or even more locally. A lot of cities have their own grants or awards for art. In my city of Waterloo there are Region of Waterloo Arts Fund and City of Waterloo.

You have to begin by researching and checking which artist grants you are eligible for. Then you can research deadlines so that you have enough time to apply for the artist grant.

As a young emerging artist, I started with smaller grants with a low budget proposal that I could help build my CV and prove that I could complete projects and handle working with grant money. This is a new skill -it’s good to start small and to practice!

Jackie Partridge working on her artist grant

How to Get an Artist Grant -Practice, Practice, Practice

It takes time to get an artist grant. You probably won’t get one right away and that’s okay! Keep applying and keep practicing. It can be difficult to write about your art or to explain why getting the grant would help you as an artist or your community. With time you do build your confidence and your writing improves!

Tips for How to Get an Artist Grant

Read and complete everything
Make sure your writing and proposal is clear and makes sense
Have professional photos of your art
Ask for feedback if you don’t get the grant so you can improve
Attend free grant writing seminars or workshops -most places offer this or there’s lots on YouTube
Interview people who have won grants and ask questions
Call the place or email where you are applying at to and ask any questions (this doesn’t negatively impact you receiving a grant- only helps)
Again, give yourself plenty of time and make sure to submit early in case the website crashes!

What Happens When I Receive an Artist Grant?

When you receive an artist grant -which you will someday (don’t worry!) Make sure you keep track of your receipts, paper copies and digital copies (take a picture or scan) This way you don’t lose them. Complete the project you proposed on the deadline stated. If you can’t meet the project deadline or if the project is changing slightly -reach out to where you received the grant to speak to them. They are always very helpful and they want you to succeed!

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