Riverside, Calif. – The City of Riverside is now accepting applications from emerging artists who wish to apply for micro grants of $500 to $1,000 for Art projects.

The grants are designed as an investment to foster a population of artists who have the ability to integrate with the local economy and contribute to the community. The City Council approved a two-year pilot program to determine the effectiveness of such an approach to fostering art in Riverside. A total of $10,000 is allocated to this program each year.

“Riverside is the City of Arts and Innovation, so it is no surprise that this program is designed to encourage the creation of art in our community,” Mayor Rusty Bailey said. “Artists from across our city can apply for these funds, which can help them take the next step in their artistic journey.”

The grants are tied to a project proposal and are designed to help individual and/or emerging artists accomplish projects in Riverside that are accessible to the public. The grants will be especially attractive to emerging artists who have a great idea or vision, but lack resources.

These small grants help artists fund their projects and display them throughout the city in public places and at events like the Arts Walk. Their work contributes to the collective creative aesthetic of our community.

Eligibility and Criteria:

a. Applicants must be 18 years or older;
b. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete the project described;
c. A single-page application/proposal is required;
d. A single-page, post-project report is required;
e. The project must entail a public component within the City of Riverside;
f. The application/distribution process will follow a quarterly schedule;
g. Applicants may only receive one grant per year; and
h. Recipients must attend an annual reception.

Applications are available at https://riversideca.gov/arts/

For more information, please email specialevents@riversideca.gov