For its third Open Call, launching on April 30, 2024, The Supporting Act Foundation is doubling the number of its grants to 32, and the total amount of money awarded to €800,000. These grants for emerging artists and artist-led non-profits from underrepresented communities in the arts will remain unrestricted, in keeping with the Foundation’s trust-based approach to grant-making, so that recipients are free to use the funding however they see fit.
This trust-based approach is informed by research into the most effective methods to address the precarious conditions and restricted opportunities that face both non-profit organizations and emerging artists from marginalized groups. In tandem with a lightweight application process, the Foundation’s no-strings model plays a significant role in helping recipients expand their practices and operations, with 95% of last year’s grantees citing the unrestricted nature of their grant as very helpful in meeting their financial needs.
Reflecting on this vote of confidence, Jenne Meerman, the Foundation’s Director, says:
Traditional grant-making often focuses on specific projects or initiatives, while we’re keen to give our grantees the freedom to spend their grants however they choose. We believe they’re in the best place to know how these resources can help them to reach their goals, and to make a positive difference in their communities. As a result, the impact of our grants is maximized, which is the ideal scenario.
Impact Grants: 12 grants of €50,000 will be offered across two years to artist-led non-profits supporting marginalized communities and using arts for social change. Reflecting on last year’s grant, Oroko Radio say it “enabled us to bring people onboard to improve our operations, website, and internal processes, alleviating some of the administrative pressure we feel. This all means we have more capacity to help develop our community and their creative journeys.”
Creative Bursaries: 20 bursaries of €10,000 will be offered over a year to emerging artists from underrepresented groups looking to develop their practices and initiate positive change in their communities. For 2023 recipient Elleanna Chapman, this funding “quite simply enabled me to keep making after graduation. Without the financial support, I wouldn’t be able to dedicate time and energy to my practice, as I would have to work full-time to make ends meet."
Independent juries have now been appointed to review applications and select grantees for both programs. Each jury is composed of cultural leaders, artists, and activists, including previous Supporting Act Foundation grantees.
Impact Grant Jury
Creative Bursary Jury