Money for Art (Because We Deserve Nice Things)

shoeboxartsla
Jun 6
3 min read

$600 can change everything—next deadline July 15

Hey Creative Community,

Here's something that makes my heart sing: when I can help you access funding to invest in your artistic growth.

The Center for Cultural Innovation's Quick Grant program is accepting applications, and I want to make sure you know about this opportunity because it can directly fund your professional development—including your Shoebox Arts membership and programs.

What Is the CCI Quick Grant?

The Quick Grant provides up to $600 to California artists, creatives, and cultural practitioners for professional development activities that build business skills and strengthen your financial resilience as an artist.

The beautiful part? This isn't reimbursement funding anymore—you receive the money upfront once your grant is approved.

How You Can Use It for Shoebox Arts:

✨ Annual Membership: Covers your entire year of Shoebox Arts programming ($1,164 value) ✨ 6-Month Membership: Fully funded with money left over ($487) ✨ Individual Mentorship: 3-4 one-on-one sessions with me ($375-$600) ✨ Combination Approach: Mix membership + individual coaching sessions

This is exactly the kind of professional development the grant supports—business skills, career strategy, networking, and community building that strengthens your practice.

Who Can Apply:

California artists, creatives, cultural practitioners, and cultural producers (must be demonstrated by résumé)
One grant per person per fiscal year (July-June cycle)
Previous grantees can apply again in new fiscal years

Note: If you're in Los Angeles County, group activities (like our membership programs) are prioritized over one-on-one consulting.

Key Dates:

Next Deadline: July 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon) PT Applications open: June 16, 2025, at 9:00 AM PT Activities must start: August 16, 2025, or later Notifications sent: August 16, 2025, by 5:00 PM PT

Applications are due on the 15th of every month with monthly cycles throughout the year.

What Makes This Grant Special:

Quick turnaround: One month from application to funding decision Flexible use: Any professional development that builds business skills Upfront funding: No more waiting for reimbursements Ongoing opportunity: Monthly deadlines mean multiple chances to apply

How to Apply:

Applications are submitted through Submittable (CCI's online platform). You'll need to demonstrate how your proposed professional development activity will build your administrative capacity, business skills, and financial resilience.

For detailed guidelines and to apply: www.cciarts.org/quick_grant.htm

Questions: Email quickgrant@cciarts.org or call (415) 288-0530

Why This Matters:

Too many talented artists struggle because they never learned the business side of art. This grant recognizes that professional development isn't a luxury—it's essential infrastructure for a sustainable creative career.

When you invest in learning how to navigate the art world, price your work, write compelling artist statements, and build genuine community connections, you're not just advancing your own career—you're contributing to a stronger, more supportive arts ecosystem for everyone.

Need Help with Your Application?

If you're considering applying to use CCI funding for Shoebox Arts programs, I'm happy to discuss how our offerings align with the grant's professional development goals. Reply to this email or schedule a quick consultation to strategize your application.

Because here's what I know to be true: when artists have the resources they need to grow professionally, their work becomes more visible, more valued, and more sustainable. And that benefits all of us.

Ready to fund your artistic growth?

Mark your calendar: July 15, 12:00 PM PT Action step: Review the guidelines at cciarts.org Remember: Support begets support—when you invest in yourself, you're investing in our entire creative community.

Questions about how Shoebox Arts programming could fit into your grant proposal? Hit reply—I'm here to help.

With abundance and possibility, Kristine

P.S. Even if you miss this July deadline, remember that applications are accepted monthly. August 15, September 15, October 15—there are opportunities throughout the year to secure funding for your professional development. The key is starting to think strategically about investing in your art career infrastructure.

This newsletter is for informational purposes. Please review current CCI Quick Grant guidelines for the most up-to-date requirements and eligibility criteria.