AcA And LEAD Create Individual Artist Stipend Program, Artspark

The Acadiana Center for the Arts and Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) have come together to present an individual artist stipend program, ArtSpark. The purpose of ArtSpark is to directly support artists in Acadiana, especially to those with otherwise limited opportunities, as they expand their bodies of work as professionals. These stipends offer assistance to emerging, mid-career, and mature artists for specific, short-term projects that have a clear benefit to the artist and their development. This program also presents an opportunity for public art providing a fresh new way to experience our city.

“We are thrilled to announce ArtSpark, an Individual Artist Stipend program supported by LEDA and administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts. This program was developed to offer support for our community of artists, not only in Lafayette parish, but also the surrounding eight parishes of Acadiana. In connecting with our mission, we recognize the importance of fostering and investing in our local community of artists, providing opportunities that offer assistance for materials, development of new works, or to provide support for projects that incorporate public art and community engagement. By collaborating with the Opportunity Machine, we will provide a series of career development services that offer resources for career sustainability in the arts. Overall, this program will support and develop innovation and vibrancy while enhancing our local environment and offering support to our local artists!” says Paige Krause, AcA Education Coordinator

“For years, LEDA has supported efforts to promote local artists because art is a component of economic development, in addition to playing a significant role in our community’s cultural identity. The creative thought-process that makes our citizens great entrepreneurs is also reflected in the output of our arts community. We want to see our local artist network grow and we support our allies, such as the AcA, who are on the front lines of arts promotions. Not only will ArtSpark advance traditional art, but the program will foster development in new media through the program’s emphasis on digital interactive, visual arts, music, film and live performance,” says Gregg Gothreaux, LEDA President and CEO

Applications are due to AcA by September 21 and can be submitted to Acadiana Center for the Arts—ArtSpark at 101 W. Vermilion St. Lafayette, LA 70501. A full list of guidelines and applications can be found at AcadianaCenterfortheArts.org/Community. Prior to the application deadline, Acadiana Center for the Arts & Opportunity Machine, will host two application assistance workshops for ArtSpark. Participants are highly encouraged to attend to learn more about the ArtSpark application process, how to write an effective application, and how to complete a successful budget outline. This is a great opportunity to have your questions answered prior to completing an application Workshops are one hour and will be held at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion St. on September 8th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. and on September 11th, 10:00-11:00 a.m.  For directions or questions, contact Paige Krause at paige@acadianacenterforthearts.org or 337.233.7060 ex. 232.