The Chequamegon Bay Arts Council (CBAC) is currently accepting applications for its 2025 Artistic Development Grant. This annual grant aims to foster continuous learning and support area residents in advancing their artistic skills for personal growth and to enhance community artistic excellence. The grant is open to professional, amateur, or student artists residing in Ashland or Bayfield County, Wisconsin. Eligible artistic development opportunities include short-term courses related to an artistic field, workshops, art/music/performance/literary camps, and well-defined individual research projects in the visual, performing, or literary arts.

A total of $4,000 in funding is available for distribution, with CBAC covering up to 50% of any proposal based on eligible expenses. Funding may be awarded at a lower percentage depending on the evaluation of the application and available funds. Applicants who have previously received CBAC funding but have not submitted their final reports are ineligible. Grant funds may be used for registration fees, material and supply costs, and travel expenses. However, the grant does not cover college tuition for regular classes, food costs, or capital expenditures such as equipment purchases.

Applications open on March 1, 2025, and must be submitted online or via email by April 1, 2025. Applications can be emailed to CBAC Grant Coordinator Christine Lindsey at chrissie6454@gmail.com or mailed to CBAC, PO Box 25, Washburn, WI 54891. If submitting via email, applicants must request a confirmation of receipt. The CBAC Board of Directors will review applications on April 8, 2025, and funding announcements will be made by April 12, 2025.

The evaluation criteria for this grant include the potential benefit to the applicant, the educational value of the proposed artistic development opportunity, the overall benefit to the community, and the applicant’s financial need. High school-aged applicants and younger must include a letter of recommendation relevant to their application.

The application process requires applicants to provide personal contact details, project descriptions, and a detailed project budget. Applicants should outline the curriculum or nature of their proposed artistic endeavor, including location, timeframe, and any involvement of special instructors. They must also describe both short-term and long-term benefits to their artistic growth and explain how their project will benefit the community.

For additional information, applicants can visit the CBAC website at www.cbayarts.org/grants or contact CBAC Grant Coordinator Christine Lindsey at chrissie6454@gmail.com or 715-209-5774.