The BICA Microgrant is a funding initiative created by the Buffalo Institute for Contemporary Art to support artists and curators working in the greater Buffalo area. This small-scale grant aims to recognize and alleviate the financial burden often experienced by individuals who produce exhibitions, performances, and visual arts projects. It offers a no-strings-attached sum of $300 intended to help offset the time, labor, and costs associated with creating and presenting public-facing artistic work.

The primary objective of this microgrant is to support visual arts initiatives that result in at least one public event. Projects eligible for funding may include exhibitions, performances, or other related activities that contribute meaningfully to the visual arts landscape in Buffalo. Importantly, applicants must demonstrate that their project either occurred within the past three months or will take place within three months of their application submission. This flexible timeline allows both retrospective and forward-looking support for recent or imminent projects.

Funding can be used at the applicant’s discretion, whether to cover materials, transportation, space rental, or any other project-related costs. The grant is intended to offer tangible, albeit modest, financial support to enable artists and curators to bring their visions to life. There are no additional reporting or post-award obligations tied to the grant, reinforcing its intent as a good-faith contribution to creative efforts.

Eligibility is limited to artists and curators whose projects are sited in the greater Buffalo, New York region. The funding supports initiatives that engage the local community through visual art and a required public-facing component. Projects that do not include a public event or fall outside the eligible three-month timeline are not considered.

Applications for the BICA Microgrant are accepted online and must be submitted by midnight on one of the four quarterly deadlines: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. The online application portal provides a streamlined process for individuals to submit their project for consideration.

The microgrant does not publicly disclose detailed evaluation criteria or decision-making processes, and no contact details or specific personnel responsible for the grant program are listed on the provided page. Applicants should ensure their projects meet the eligibility and timeline requirements and include a clear plan for a public event.