Tuesday, June 08, 2010

MakeWork is always working

We’re nearly three months into planning and implementation for the 2010 MakeWork grant cycle, and it has already become evident that Chattanoogans are on the brink of something big and intoxicating—contagious, in fact.

MakeWork Grantees are surpassing our expectations as a city and as an arts community.

Over the course of the past two years, we have seen MakeWork transform in many ways, not least a new (and entirely paperless) application process refined programmatically to meet the needs voiced by the community.  It is a dynamic and nimble model.

This year, we spoke with artists from all over the Chattanooga region who were excited and anxious to submit their grant proposal by the May 14th Final Application Deadline. The caliber of this year’s grants, let alone the sheer number that we received (152 applicants requesting over $1.6 million), is inspiring.

A well-known secret: there are lots of talented, progressive artists working in our city and MakeWork is filling a niche in the community by serving a cultural demographic—working artists—that often struggles during tough economic times.

Dozens of artists and artisans in Chattanooga have already been able to propel themselves and their work to the next level because of the financial stimulus provided by the MakeWork Arts Grants.  This year, MakeWork will infuse another $125,000 into the creative economy. 

MakeWork is working for us.

That said, we are so grateful for the opportunity to work with so many talented recipients and applicants since 2008.  To all 2010 MakeWork applicants: Thank you!

Thank you for countless hours writing and editing your proposals.  Thank you for staying true and dedicated to your art.  Thank you for your patience as we tread new waters and embark on a future for this city that is unparalleled.  Chattanooga is a place that values creativity and innovation; artists here are rising to the occasion.

For more information, check out the MakeWork Arts Grants page.  Also, check out this new video profile of 2009 MakeWork Grant Recipient Charles Allison.

All 2010 MakeWork applicants will be notified of their grant status on July 2, 2010.  Stay tuned until mid-July to learn more about the 2010 MakeWork Recipients!