Dane County announced Wednesday a $1 million COVID-19 grant program for local artists and performers recovering from the far-reaching economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The $2,500 grants will be administered by Dane Arts.
“So many local artists and performers have struggled to make ends meet over the past year,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi in a statement. “We created the Dane Arts Need Grant program as a way to help artists and performers continue their work and promote their art form in new ways during the pandemic. The arts are an integral part of the local economy and in turn, will play an impactful role in our comeback and recovery.”
The Dane Arts Need Grant (DANG!) program was originally created last summer to help financially support artists through the pandemic, according to a news release, and has provided over $120,000 in grant assistance to 275 local artists, with each receiving $500 in financial support.
“Art is a critical part of not only our culture but also our economy,” said Dane County Board Supervisor Yogesh Chawla. “The vibrant artistic community makes Dane County a unique and special place to call home. Dane County is making a bold investment in the many diverse artists and creators to help provide the resources needed to emerge from this pandemic.”
Applicants must be independent working artists with at least two years of activity. Those eligible for the grant program include musicians, dancers, actors/producers, poets/writers, visual artists, performers, and any individual working artist.
Applications will be accepted starting May 1 and will be made available on the Dane Arts website www.danearts.com.
