Additional Funding for Downeast Artists Announced

The Maine Arts Commission is pleased to announce that $12,500 in additional funds will be available to artists in Hancock and Washington Counties over the next 12 months thanks to a partnership with the Maine Community Foundation.

Funding through the Maine Community Foundation is provided by the Belvedere Fund, which was established in 2000 by the late Deborah Pulliam. Deborah had a fondness for functional crafts and her legacy will support additional Traditional Arts Apprenticeships and Good Idea Grants in the region of Maine where she lived.

“Deborah Pulliam had a passion for traditional handcrafts," said Meredith Jones, Maine Community Foundation president and CEO. "We are pleased that the Maine Arts Commission will help further the legacy of that passion in Downeast Maine."

The Maine Arts Commission will use the funding to administer five additional artist grants. These will be offered as two Traditional Arts Apprenticeships and three Good Idea Grants. The Traditional Arts Apprenticeships will help communities in Washington and Hancock Counties preserve their cultural heritage by supporting master traditional artists as they pass on their skills to qualified apprentices. The Good Idea Grants will support the growth of regional artists through the creation of new work or professional development.

The application deadlines for these grants are June 16 and June 24 respectively. Complete information about both of these programs can be found in the grants section of www.MaineArts.com.