Launched in the summer of 2023, the Incubator Microgrant Program supports small projects, emerging artists and arts-based experiments that engage the broader public, by awarding up to $1000 to go toward the implementation of submitted proposals.
The program was created to provide a solution to the dire lack of resources and funding streams available to artists, and the even fewer funding opportunities for experimental art. We believe experimental artistic practice that bridges disciplines or explores challenging subjects is important for the development of a healthy arts and culture sector. Through the Incubator program, we support projects that root practice in community engagement, and work that examines themes relevant to the Central Island community and engages issues of decolonization and reconciliation. We believe by supporting grassroots and local emerging ideas, we can incubate a more equitable arts sector from the ground up. Additionally, by supporting emerging artists, we offer artists the credibility needed to apply for other grants, leveraging small grant dollars towards outsized impact.
Eligible projects include public art installations, pop-up dance performances; community murals; street performances; pop-up community theater productions; art workshops/classes that are free and open to the public; community music programs; community story-telling projects; author readings and other literary events, interactive art presentations; arts-based community activism; cultural exchange programs and more.
These grants are for individual artists or collectives at all levels of practice.