Oregon: Career Opportunity Grants

Career Opportunity grantee Marie Watt involves others in creating her artwork, stitching pieces from reclaimed blankets. Photo courtesy of the Oregon Arts Commission and the artist

The Oregon Arts Commission (OAC) provides annual Career Opportunity Grants to individual artists seeking to take advantage of significant opportunities to advance their careers. Designed to support artists as both creators and entrepreneurs, these grants can be used to acquire new business or artistic skills or to participate in national or international exhibits, competitions or other special opportunities that will meaningfully advance an artist’s career.

To further expand this program, OAC recently announced a new public-private collaboration. Artists applying for Career Opportunity Grants from OAC will be able to tap additional funds from a new Ford Family Foundation program designed to assist midcareer visual artists. These supplemental dollars may be used to help eligible artists address unanticipated hardships or seize new opportunities that would dramatically assist their artistic practice or professional success. The combined application process will be managed by OAC.

By joining together, OAC and The Ford Family Foundation are maximizing their funds and making it easier for artists across the state to access those resources. To learn more, contact OAC Assistant Director Shannon Planchon.