Office of Arts & Culture FY2024-25 Small Grants Program Opens with Expanded Partnerships

Portland, Oregon - Today, the Office of Arts & Culture announced the opening of the FY2024-25 Small Grants Program for artists and arts organizations, introducing three new grant opportunities. This marks a significant evolution in the City's funding process for the arts. For the first time, the Office of Arts & Culture will partner with not just one, but three local arts service providers-Friends of Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, MusicOregon, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC).

"Historically, Portland artists and arts organizations have applied to RACC to receive City funding," said Grants Program Manager Jeff Hawthorne. "Going forward, Friends of IFCC, MusicOregon, and RACC will award small grants to individual artists on behalf of the City, with RACC continuing to award small grants to organizations as well.

This year, each of these grant partners will host a single, focused funding opportunity, with all funding calls set to close in Fall or Winter 2024. This streamlined approach not only simplifies the application process but also ensures that limited resources are more concentrated and impactful. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 will be available, offering substantial support to artists and organizations striving to elevate their work and reach new audiences.

City of Portland Arts Grant Partners

Friends of IFCC: With deep roots in Portland's Black community, Friends of IFCC is dedicated to honoring and furthering the legacy of the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center. Their Artist Grant & Residency Programoffers artists across various disciplines the space, time, and funding needed to explore and expand their creative practices.

• Available Funding: $100,000 total

• Grant Awards: $500-$5,000 per grant

• Application Deadline: January 8, 2025

MusicOregon: As the first statewide organization to offer grant programs tailored specifically for independent working musicians, MusicOregon'sEcho Fundempowers Portland's working musicians to push their creative boundaries and advance their careers.

• Available Funding: $80,000 total

• Grant Awards: $1,000-$5,000 per grant

• Application Deadline: September 19, 2024

Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC): Continuing its long-standing mission to enrich communities through arts and culture, RACC's Portland Arts Project Grantswill support a wide range of artistic endeavors, focusing on diversity and community impact.

• Available Funding: $1,200,000 total

• Grant Awards: $1,000-$5,000 per grant

• Application Deadline: October 23, 2024

For artists and organizations interested in applying, it's important to note that you may apply to more than one grant program. However, the total funding received across all three programs combined cannot exceed $5,000. Each program has its own application process and timeline, applicants are encouraged to visit the respective partner websites for detailed information.

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