NŌ STUDIOS LAUNCHES ARTIST GRANT PROGRAM

Partners with gener8tor to distribute up to $100,000 annually to Wisconsin creatives

MILWAUKEE, Wis – Feb. 22, 2021 – Today, Nō Studios founder John Ridley announced that the organization has established the Nō Studios Artist Grant Program. The program, entirely self-funded by the Nō Studios collaborative, has pledged to give up to $100,000 annually to support Wisconsin artists, especially those in historically underserved populations, to help them realize the completion of their artistic endeavors. Individual artists and the creative industry have been especially hard hit by the pandemic. This program will add resources to the Wisconsin artistic community at a critical time. 

The Artist Grant Program was established to support Wisconsin-based creatives working in a range of disciplines including, but not limited to, visual arts, photography, music, film, dance, fashion, poetry, creative writing and performance. The program will distribute up to $25,000 quarterly to qualifying artists with special consideration given to those identifying as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, female or female identifying, disabled and/or veterans. Individual recipients are eligible to receive grants up to $10,000 each. 

“I remember how challenging it was to find resources to complete the creative projects I wanted to complete,” said John Ridley, Nō Studios founder.

“It’s an honor to be able to help fund artists and provide the resources they need to help them realize their vision.” 

Nō Studios is partnering with gener8tor, a Wisconsin based platform that provides resources and connections to people working in the creative economy to help run the program. gener8tor will be responsible for handling artist grant submissions, the juried selection process and providing programming support to selected artists through mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities.

 “We are fortunate to partner with Nō Studios in advancing this remarkable effort,” said Joe Kirgues, gener8tor co-founder.

“By providing a structure of professional development and mentorship, we can support creative professionals and help them execute their creative projects.” 

The first application submission round will begin in early March, with grants awarded in June. Individual artists living and working in Wisconsin are encouraged to apply at nostudiosartistgrant.com.

gener8tor will also offer a series of webinars and virtual office hours to help artists with the grant application process. A jury of creative professionals from outside of Wisconsin will review all applications and award the grants.

“Artists help us reflect on our common human experiences be they hopeful, confusing, inspiring or painful,” added Ridley.

“At this time in particular, we need individuals who can help us make sense of the times we live in and help us understand life and each other a little bit better.” 

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