Creative Empowerment Subgrant Program to Support Local Creatives Now Open

The Creative Empowerment subgrant program offered by the City of Dubuque’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs is accepting applications for Round 1. With $15,000 in federal National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds to award, Dubuque-based practicing creatives that meet all eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.

Overview of the Creative Empowerment Subgrant Program 

The Creative Empowerment subgrant program aims to award funds to individual creatives residing within Dubuque city limits to aid in the production of tangible public-facing, arts-based projects that further their careers and deepen their community engagement. 

Creative Empowerment funds can be applied for in two (2) different rounds, as outlined below, to align with two (2) independent yet overlapping periods of performance. No match is required. The minimum request is $500. The maximum request is $2,000. Awards will be distributed to ensure funds are available for each round. Applicants may submit an application each round but may only receive funding for one (1) project.

• ROUND 1 – Open for applications Wednesday, February 15 – Friday, March 24, 2023, for consideration of projects occurring between June 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024.
• ROUND 2 – Open for applications Friday, June 2 – Friday, July 14, 2023, for consideration of projects occurring between October 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024. 

Eligible creatives may request funds, including stipends, fees, materials, and marketing costs, that directly support art-based project expenses incurred by producing tangible public-facing outcomes occurring within the defined funding period of performance. 

Additional information related to this opportunity is available on the Creative Empowerment webpage. 

Round 1 Application Access and Deadline 

Creative Empowerment Round 1 applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023. Applications must be submitted via the online application portal at https://cityofdubuque.slideroom.com.

Additional Resources Available

• A free informational webinar is being offered to anyone interested in learning more about the Creative Empowerment subgrant program. All are welcome to attend; advance registration is encouraged. The upcoming Round 1 informational webinar is scheduled for: 
  • Friday, February 24, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. – Click here to register for this webinar.
• Virtual office hours will be held during scheduled day and evening hours for applicants to ask questions, address issues, and discuss topics with staff. The schedule is available here.
• Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs staff is available throughout the application period to address questions and assist in the application process.

The Creative Empowerment subgrant program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. 

For additional information, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/artsandculture or contact City of Dubuque Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs Communications and Grants Administration Assistant Laura Merrick at lmerrick@cityofdubuque.org or 563.581.4666.