This spring, the Santa Maria Arts Council will award a total of $13,100 to emerging artists. Grants of $1,500 and $1,000 will be awarded in each category of Dance, Drama, Music, and Visual Arts. Three additional grants will also be awarded, including the Nat Fast Memorial Grant for performing artists, the Ian M. Hassett Fund for visual artists, and the Los Padres Artists Guild Scholarship for student artists.
Artists interested in applying for the Santa Maria Individual Grants in the Arts Competition must be at least 12 years old and have studied art in Northern Santa Barbara County for a minimum of two years. One application provides eligibility for all grants. The application deadline is March 21.
The awards culminate with the Grants Showcase on May 7 in the Marian Theatre on the Allan Hancock College campus. Grants are given annually in the name of an honoree or honorees. This year’s honorees are artists, art supporters, and art advocates Craig and Linda Shafer. Since 1972 the Santa Maria Arts Council has awarded (as of May 7, 2018) $300,000 in grants to more than 300 locally trained artists.
Visit the Arts Council web site smartscouncil.org for an application, application guidelines, and more information.
This article appears in Mar 1-8, 2018.