Early this year I was given one of the OAC grants for emerging artists. This OAC grant is a $2000 grant that gives funding to purchase art supplies and to participate in educational skill development.

I started applying for OAC grants this past fall and I was excited to have received one. OAC stands for Ontario Arts Council. The OAC grants are a lengthy process to set up an account and submit your application online but they are worth it.

By receiving OAC grants or other grants, artists can receive funding to make projects possible. $2000 is a lot of money and I am grateful to have received this grant as this project would not be financially possible without it.

There are many different OAC grants available. You can learn more by clicking here!

It’s important to note that OAC grants are only for residents in Ontario. However, depending on where you live, the province or state, try Googling grants with your location to find other grants to apply to.

OAC Grants- the OAC Grant Proposal

I will be using the money from the OAC grant to purchase paper making supplies including different types of pulp, mould and deckles and other paper making supplies. I will also be registering for some paper making and letterpress classes to be able to enhance my skills as a paper maker. Lastly, I will use some of the money to rent out a paper making studio place near where I live. I have until 2023 to complete this project. I started purchasing supplies and signing up for workshops this summer of 2022.

I plan on making sheets of map paper using recycled maps and using the letter press to write some of my poems on the paper. I also want to make more large sheets of the map paper to be able to do large installations of my work Patched. You can read more about the Patched project here!

Jackie Partridge Patched Project — Jackie Partridge, *Patched Project*

If you are interested in applying to OAC grants you can click here to check their deadlines.

I appreciate the financial support of OAC grants for funding my art practice!

To find out more about the project check out my instagram @jackiepartridge_ and search the #patchedproject

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Patched Project

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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