The Creative County Initiative (CCI), a program of the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF), has launched the 2025 ALAANA/BIPOC Artist Grant to support the development of new or in-progress works by artists identifying as ALAANA, which includes African, Latine, Asian, Arab, and Native American individuals. The initiative reflects ECCF’s commitment to expanding equity in the arts and addressing the historical marginalization of ALAANA artists. Through this grant, ECCF aims to enhance inclusivity and uplift diverse voices within the regional arts landscape of Essex County, Massachusetts.

Each grant provides up to $5,000 to individual ALAANA artists working in any creative genre, including but not limited to visual arts, music, dance, spoken word, theater, and public installations. The funding is flexible within the scope of the project, allowing artists to use it for materials, presentation costs, and compensating their own labor. However, funding cannot be used for general living expenses such as rent or utilities. Projects should be feasible for completion within a 12-month period and culminate in a presentation that is accessible to the public, either in person or online.

Grantees will be supported not only financially but also through technical, promotional, and partnership resources provided by ECCF’s Creative County team. They are expected to engage with CCI staff through check-ins, participate in promotional efforts, and submit a final report at the end of the grant period that reflects on their outcomes, challenges, personal growth, and visual documentation of their work. Participation in training sessions and convenings hosted by Creative County is also encouraged to build long-term capacity for sustainability.

Applications open in January 2025 and are available in two cycles. The first cycle runs from January to March with notifications in April, and the second runs from April to June with notifications in July. While artists may apply to any one of CCI’s three grant programs per calendar year (ALAANA, Special Projects, or Last Mile Fund), they are limited to submitting only one proposal annually across these programs.

Evaluation will be based on several criteria including the project's impact on the arts and cultural ecosystem, its originality, and community engagement potential. Priority is given to work that highlights the artist’s cultural heritage, builds creative economic activity, and fosters public discourse. All funded projects must contribute meaningfully to both the artist’s development and the broader Essex County community.

Grants can be paid either directly to the artist or through a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Once approved, disbursement of funds will occur within four weeks of confirmation. For questions or assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Sabrina Boggio, CCI Program Assistant, at sgb.marketing.design@gmail.com.