New grants offer a boost to emerging and established local artists

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Artists across Kawartha Lakes and surrounding communities are being offered a new opportunity to turn creative ideas into reality.

The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council (KLAC), the official Community Arts Council for the City of Kawartha Lakes, has launched its new Creative Futures Grant Program, providing financial support to artists looking to develop their creative practices, explore new ideas, or take the next step in their artistic journey.

The program will award two $500 grants through separate streams.

The Youth Stream is open to individual artists, between the ages of 16 and 25, while the Artist Stream is available to individual artists aged 26 and older, as well as eligible organizations.

Applicants must be current members of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council. Individual artists from Kawartha Lakes and surrounding communities are eligible to apply, while organizations must be based or operating within the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Grant funding can be used for a variety of creative goals, including developing new work, experimenting with new materials or techniques, pursuing professional development or bringing a creative project to life.

For local artists, the program represents an opportunity to get a helping hand with projects which might otherwise remain on the drawing board.

“It’s really encouraging to see the Arts Council creating opportunities like this for local artists,” said Lindsay’s Veronica George. “Even a $500 grant can make a big difference when you’re trying to buy materials, learn something new, or get a creative project off the ground.”

Christina Patton, Communications & Events Coordinator with the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council, said, the new program is the result of an idea which has been in development for some time.

“The Creative Futures Grant is something we’ve envisioned for a long time,” explained Ms. Patton. “As a young artist who received a local student bursary, when I was heading into post-secondary, I know firsthand how meaningful that kind of support can be, when pursuing your creative goals.”

Ms. Patton said, she hopes the program will provide similar encouragement to young artists while also helping established artists expand their practices or explore new creative directions.

“This is just the beginning, and I’d love to see the program grow in the future, so we can make an even greater impact supporting the arts in our community,” she said.

Applications for the Creative Futures Grant Program are now open online, at kawarthalakesartscouncil.com/grant.

Artists interested in applying can find more information about eligibility, membership, and the application process through the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council.