7 Proven Methods to Find Performance Art Grants
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 7 min read

Contents

  1. Use dedicated grant search engines
  2. Network with industry professionals
  3. Apply for local grants
  4. Seek out specific performance art grants
  5. Join professional organizations
  6. Use social media to find opportunities
  7. Contact arts funding bodies directly

Finding grants for performance art can sometimes feel like a complex dance routine, but it doesn't have to be! Understanding how to find grants for performance art can turn the process into a well-choreographed routine. This post will demystify the process and guide you through seven proven methods that will help you find the financial support you need to keep your performance art alive and thriving.

Use Dedicated Grant Search Engines

Think of grant search engines as your scouts in the field. They're your go-to when you want to find grants for performance art. These search engines are designed to make the process of finding and applying for grants less daunting.

One of the most helpful tools is a grant search engine. It's like a Google search, but it's tailored specifically for grants. You input your details—like your field (in this case, performance art)—and it shows you a list of potential grants you could apply for.

GrantStation and GrantFinder are some of the dedicated grant search engines you can use. They offer filters that narrow down your search to specific areas such as performance art. That way, you get to see only the grants that are relevant to you and your work.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to use these search engines:

  1. Type in "performance art" in the search bar.
  2. Select the filters that apply to you — are you an individual artist or part of an organization?
  3. Hit the search button and wait for the magic to happen!
  4. Review the list of grants and select the ones that fit your needs and qualifications.

Remember, each search engine may have its specific features and filters. So, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the platform before diving in. Searching for grants doesn't have to be a solo performance, these tools are here to help you find the perfect match.

Network with Industry Professionals

Networking might sound like a buzzword, but it's an essential part of how to find grants for performance art. It's about building relationships, not just exchanging business cards. You want to connect with other artists, curators, and people who are already involved in the grant ecosystem.

Why, you ask? Let's put it this way: it's like getting the inside scoop on a new role before the casting call is made. You get to hear about opportunities that might not yet be public, and you're also being exposed to people who can guide you through the process.

Try attending art exhibitions, conferences, or industry events where you can meet these individuals. Don't be shy to ask questions or seek advice. Remember, every great performance starts with a simple conversation.

Consider these tips to make the most out of your networking:

  1. Be genuine and show interest in the other person's work.
  2. Ask open-ended questions to foster engaging conversations.
  3. Follow up after the event with a friendly email or a coffee invitation.

Remember, networking is a two-way street. Be ready to give as much as you receive — whether it's advice, support, or just a listening ear. After all, the showbiz world is a tight-knit community, and word-of-mouth can be incredibly powerful when you're learning how to find grants for performance art.

Apply for Local Grants

When you're searching for grants, don't forget to check what's available right in your backyard. Local grants are a great resource, especially for artists just starting on their grant-finding journey. They often have fewer applicants, which can increase your chances of success.

Local grants can come from a variety of sources. They might be offered by city or state art councils, community foundations, or even businesses looking to support the arts. For example, a local bank might sponsor a grant to promote creativity within the community. Or a city council might offer funds to artists exploring themes related to local heritage or culture. You get the picture, right?

Here's how you can uncover these local grants:

  1. Search online for your city or state's arts council. They often have a list of available grants on their website.
  2. Visit your local library. They typically have resources dedicated to local funding opportunities.
  3. Reach out to fellow artists in your area. They may have experience with local grants and could point you in the right direction.

Applying for local grants is not just about funding. It's also a fantastic way to build connections within your local art scene. And who knows? These local connections could pave the way to much larger opportunities down the road. So, don't underestimate the power of staying local in your quest to find grants for performance art.

Seek out Specific Performance Art Grants

As a performance artist, you might find that the best way to get funding is by targeting grants specifically designed for your type of work. Yes, you heard it right! There are grants out there just for performance artists like you. These grants are usually set up by organizations that understand the unique needs and challenges of performance art.

So, where do you find these specialized grants? Here's a simple guide:

  1. Research online. Use terms like "performance art grants" or "grants for performance artists". This will lead you to websites of organizations that fund performance art.
  2. Check out art magazines and newsletters. They often feature grant announcements and can be a goldmine of information.
  3. Ask your peers. Other artists in your field can be a great resource. They might have heard of opportunities that you haven't come across yet.

Finding a grant that aligns with your specific art form can increase your chances of getting funded. Why? Because it means the organization has a vested interest in what you do. They understand the value of your work and are more likely to support it.

Remember, specificity can be your best friend when figuring out how to find grants for performance art. So, don't be shy to seek out those opportunities that genuinely resonate with your artistic practice.

Join Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations is another great way to find grants for performance art. These organizations often act as a hub for resources, including funding opportunities. Plus, they can provide you with a supportive community of artists who understand your work.

So, how do you go about joining these organizations? Let's break it down:

  1. Start by identifying organizations that cater to performance artists. You can do this by searching online or asking other artists for recommendations.
  2. Once you find an organization that aligns with your work, look into its membership process. This usually involves filling out a form and paying a fee.
  3. After you become a member, make the most of your membership. Attend events, participate in discussions, and don't forget to check out their resources page for grant opportunities.

By joining these organizations, not only do you get access to funding opportunities, you also become part of a community that can support and inspire your artistic journey. So why wait? Start exploring professional organizations and see how they can help you find grants for your performance art.

Use Social Media to Find Opportunities

Here's a fun fact: social media isn't just for sharing selfies and cute cat videos. It's also a powerful tool for finding performance art grants. Yes, you heard it right. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can lead you to some amazing grant opportunities. Let's explore this a bit more.

  1. Twitter is a great place to start. Look for grant organizations or fellow artists using hashtags like #PerformanceArtGrants, #ArtGrants, or #ArtistOpportunities. Make sure to follow these accounts to stay updated.
  2. Facebook isn't far behind. Join groups dedicated to performance art or artist grants. These groups often share funding opportunities, so keep an eye on your feed!
  3. Instagram might seem like an unlikely place, but it's worth exploring. Follow accounts related to performance art grants or use the same hashtags as on Twitter. Who knows? Your next big opportunity might be hiding in an Instagram post.

So, why not give it a shot? Start using social media to find grants for performance art. It might seem a bit unconventional, but remember, the best opportunities often come from unexpected places. And who can deny the convenience of finding your next grant while scrolling through your favorite social media feed?

Contact Arts Funding Bodies Directly

Now here's something you might not have thought of: contacting arts funding bodies directly. It's a simple yet effective method for finding performance art grants. Direct contact shows initiative and interest, two traits that funding bodies admire in artists. So, how do you go about this?

  1. Firstly, make a list of arts funding bodies. These could be national, regional, or local to your area. You know what they say, the more, the merrier.
  2. Then, find their contact information. This is usually listed on their website. If it's not, don't be disheartened. A quick email to their general inbox asking for the right contact should do the trick.
  3. Now, craft a professional yet personal email. Introduce yourself, your work, and express your interest in any upcoming grants. Don't be shy to ask about any grant programs they might have that aren't publicly advertised.

Remember, the goal is to build a relationship with these funding bodies. So, be polite, enthusiastic, and keep the lines of communication open. You never know when a funding body might decide to award a new grant, and you want to be on their radar when that happens.

So, take a leap of faith and start contacting arts funding bodies directly. It might seem intimidating, but you have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain. After all, isn't that what being an artist is all about?

If you're looking to further your education in performance art and exploring funding opportunities, the 'Applying for Your MFA (Masters in Fine Art)' workshop by Ciarra K. Walters is an excellent resource. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and advice on the application process, including how to find and secure grants for your performance art studies.