Hardship Grants for Financial Relief

The Artists Fund Hardship program provides aid to past and present Festival of Arts (FOA) exhibition Artists whose primary income is generated from artwork and who live within the geographically defined areas for FOA participants. The Hardship Grant can provide limited funds for medical necessity, natural disaster relief or other debilitating circumstances. The Fund has helped many individuals recover from temporary emergencies and return to their productive art careers. It makes it possible for an artist suffering financial hardship to take the necessary steps toward recovery, and also guides artists in taking proactive steps to minimize exposure to future hardships, while always respecting the dignity and privacy of those it serves. The Fund enables artists, many of whom are not covered by any insurance, to request assistance to cover necessary medical treatments and also works to reduce artists’ exposure to unexpected circumstances.

Grants are available only to past or present Festival of Arts exhibitors. 

Application with all supporting documents must be mailed ONLY (NO drop-offs) to:
Attn: Hardship Grant Chair, The Artists Fund at the Festival of Arts, 1278 Glenneyre, #157, Laguna Beach. CA 92651.

Enrichment Grants for Professional Development

The Artists Fund endeavors to assist eligible Festival artists with the development of their individual careers. “Enrichment Grants” are distinct from “Hardship Grants” and an artist may not necessarily need to demonstrate  financial hardship to qualify. Each application for an Enrichment Grant is individually evaluated, and some of the recent grants have included the requests below.

Examples of items that MAY qualify for an Enrichment Grant:
• Educational classes for professional or technical improvement within your field, such as a teaching certificate, or an intensive workshop for expanding your technique.
• Business classes, seminars or tools for bookkeeping, business writing, or inventory tracking for use within the arts, or for marketing skills and promotion to expand your client base.
• Equipment and tools that allow a marked or measurable increase or expansion in creativity, productivity, quality, or efficiency, which could include an energy-efficient kiln, unique computer design software or a specialized photo printer.
• Hiring of professional services for career-building and publicity, such as contracting a specialized photographer, biographer or copywriter. Examples include an upgrade to your artist website, or designing a layout for a book or publication to promote your work.

Examples of items that likely MAY NOT qualify for an Enrichment Grant:
• Expected business items such as exhibition fees, booth fees for festivals, art shows.
• Routine studio operating expenses, rent or utilities.
• Everyday tools and supplies.
• Regular advertising, brochures and business cards, websites or web hosting fees.
• Bank fees, credit card debt or personal living expenses.
• Most general expenses for regular work activities.

Please note that Enrichment Grants are provided to cover exceptional expenses, and are not for general on-going business or personal expenditures. Some such expenses may be eligible for Hardship Grants, which have different qualifying criteria.

Remember that applying for a Hardship Grant may better apply to your circumstances.
Each application is considered on its own merit.
Grants are available only to past or present Festival of Arts exhibitors.

Application with all supporting documents must be MAILED ONLY (NO drop-offs) to:
The Artists Fund at the Festival of Arts, Attn: Grant Chair, 1278 Glenneyre, #157, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.