Sacramento Launches Unique $850 Monthly Payment Program for Artists

Starting September 1, 2023, a new initiative in Sacramento County, California, offers eligible artists monthly payments of $850 for one year, totaling $10,200 per recipient. This innovative program, called the Creative Growth Fellowship Program, is administered by the Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) to support artists across various disciplines and enhance their careers.

The program is limited to 200 recipients, with a total funding pool of $2.04 million. Unfortunately, the application period has closed, with the deadline having passed on June 20, 2023. Applications opened on June 2, and the review process concluded on August 31, 2023. Artists had to respond to specific prompts and provide samples of their work to be considered.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet three key criteria. First, they must be residents of the City of Sacramento, providing proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. The OAC used a search tool to verify addresses within city limits. Second, applicants need to be at least 18 years old at the time of application. Lastly, they must create work in one of the following 13 disciplines:

– Craft
– Dance
– Design
– Film
– Literary arts
– Music
– Oral traditions
– Social practice
– Theater
– Performance art
– Traditional arts
– Visual arts
– Interdisciplinary arts

More details about the program are available on the OAC’s dedicated web page.

Similar Initiatives in Other Regions

The Creative Growth Fellowship Program aligns with similar efforts across the United States. For instance, Minnesota’s Guaranteed Income for Artists Pilot, organized by the non-profit Springboard for the Arts, launched in 2020. Initially, it provided support to 75 artists in two neighborhoods outside Saint Paul for 18 months. This initiative has since expanded to assist 100 artists receiving $500 monthly.

These programs aim to alleviate financial burdens on artists, allowing them to focus on essential needs such as food, housing, and other critical services. As the creative sector continues to face challenges, initiatives like these are crucial for fostering artistic growth and sustainability.

While the Creative Growth Fellowship Program is now closed for applications, it marks a significant step in recognizing the importance of supporting artists in their communities. The impact of such financial assistance could resonate beyond individual careers, enriching the cultural landscape of Sacramento and beyond.