Rewarding creativity

Monday, Jan. 7, 2012 — The Arts Council of Greater Lansing’s Individual Artist Grant Application awards artists with $1,000 grants to showcase their artwork. The Arts Council is offering a free informational meeting about the grant program this Thursday at 4p.m at 1208 Turner St. in Lansing.

In 2009, the organization founded the Arts Advancement Endowment Fund, giving artists their choice of two categories in which they can apply: emerging artists and established artists. There have been four or five grants offered annually, and between 15 and 20 artists usually apply, according to Barb Whitney, program manager for the Arts Council.

“The process is as important as the product in a lot of ways,” said Whitney. “It’s great when both the public and the art community come together.”

Applications must be submitted to The Arts Council of Greater Lansing office by 5p.m. Jan. 31. Thursday’s meeting is not a required portion of the application process for the grant, but to apply, you must be a member of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing. Students may apply, but the applicant may not be a full time student in the field that they wish to apply for the grant.

The grant project is intended to bring artistic excellence to the public in the Greater Lansing area and to provide the public with regional artistic talent. Artists interested in applying can view a sample of a successful application by making an appointment with the Arts Council. To make an appointment, call (517) 372-4636. To RSVP for the meeting, contact Barb Whitney at barb@lansingarts.org.