CultureWorks Grant Stories
The CultureWorks 2020 Grants Cycle is in full swing and the deadline for applications, February 27 at 11:59 p.m., is just a few weeks away! The CultureWorks Grants Program supports small to mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as well as individual local artists. There is funding available in two focus areas - Building Capabilities and Cultural Equity.
If you’d like to learn more about the focus areas, find guidelines for organizations and artists, access the application portal, and more, visit richmondcultureworks.org/grants.
We’re halfway through February, but it’s not too late to submit your application! CultureWorks wants to help you remove barriers to arts and culture and provide you with the support you need to thrive. Here’s how the Grants Program has helped past recipients meet their goals.
Michael-Birch Pierce - 2018 grant recipient
“Since receiving the CultureWorks Building Capabilities grant in 2018, I’ve been able to completely transform my studio practice. The funds paid for an incredible custom made studio work/storage table that has allowed me to expand my work to a much larger scale. It also allowed me to purchase an Irish embroidery machine that I taught myself to use and changed the entire trajectory of my fine art work. My career has grown leaps and bounds as a direct result of the equipment Culture Works funded.”
WRIR Richmond Independent Radio - 2017 Grant Recipient
“CultureWorks was one of the first organizations to give the station a grant. You gave me the confidence to apply for more grants when the station held its first capital campaign to construct our special broadcast room exclusively for live performances. I have no doubt that WRIR is celebrating 15 years because of your belief in the value of what we do. Thank you!” - Ceci Hull, Volunteer
Stavna Ballet - 2018 and 2019 Grant Recipient
“Stavna Ballet provides accessible dance programs for children in underserved communities within the Greater Richmond Area. Our mission is to captivate, enrich and inspire our communities and audiences through breathtaking artistry that explores the fusion of contemporary movement and the grace of classical ballet. Every person – regardless of socioeconomic status, demographics, and cultural background – deserves to have access to the arts, and at Stavna Ballet we strive to make that a reality. With the help of the CultureWorks grant, the goal of Stavna Ballet’s outreach program, Stavna Reach, to inspire youth to reach their full potential through dance was able to be met. This multifaceted program serves at-risk youth through Greater Richmond Area partners including Chesterfield County Public Libraries, Peter Paul Development Center, Children’s Museum of Richmond, and Robinson Theater Community Arts Center. We are thrilled to say that with the funding provided by CultureWorks, we were able to teach dance to over 90 students in the past year as well as perform for hundreds of East End families.” -Shannon McConville, Owner and Creative Director
Robinson Theater Community Arts Center - 2018 and 2019 grant recipient
“Receiving this investment helped boost the Robinson's quality of the space where folks gather for classes, performances and celebrations. Keeping this historic building preserved with a high standard of excellence is a top priority as our community deserves it. The CultureWorks grant helped to make this a reality this past year by assisting to replace exterior window boxes that were beginning to rot from water damage as well as completely refurbishing the stage for durability from constant use. There is a sense of pride and ownership from our community that stems from providing the best for the best!” - Betsy Hart, Executive Director
Now that you’ve had some encouragement from past grantees, go to richmondcultureworks.org/grants to apply! Remember, the deadline is February 27, 11:59 p.m., so start your application soon!