“We asked how we could support local artists and the
answer was overwhelmingly - with money,” said Executive
Director Melissa Huggins. Community members and advocates used public
forums, such as city council meetings, to bring to light the need to increase
capacity of Spokane’s art economy.
SAGA’s website states, “SAGA’s goal is simple: to serve as a catalyst,
fostering a robust, healthy arts community where individual artists, creative
industries, and nonprofit arts and culture organizations can thrive.” The funds
available in 2018 total approximately $90,000. There are three rounds for
artists to apply: February 1, June 1, and October 1.
A broad range of disciplines are supported by the Spokane Arts Commission,
and their artists’ roster is about to get a facelift when they redesign their
website at: http://www.spokanearts.org/
A searchable page to connect artists with those seeking their services is
forthcoming. The SAGA Grants promote visual arts, performing arts, written
arts, and film.
However, money is not the only support an artist can receive from the
Spokane Arts Commission. “We are trying to break down barriers - be
accessible,” says Huggins. The Commission provides resources and
programming through one-on-one meetings with local artists, refers funding
sources to artists, and helps them build capacity. “We want to get to know
artists and their goals, to create lifelong relationships [with them],” says
Huggins.
The programs this nonprofit provides support artists in numerous ways.
Contracting with the City of Spokane, the Spokane Arts Commission curates
four shows and artist receptions per year at the Chase Gallery inside City
Hall. They display a wide range of art from local and regional artists. Work is
selected one year in advance, so watch for the open call in August 2018.
The Spokane Arts Commission hosts the Spokane Arts Awards. Anyone
in the community can nominate an artist in four categories: Leadership,
Collaboration, Inclusion, and Imagination. There is a separate volunteer
committee to review nominations and select the winners.
The February Visual Arts Tour highlights the SATURATE program, which is
an annual citywide collaboration where art venues feature diverse artwork,
cultural projects, and performances by under-recognized artists of color from
around the region.
Go to the Spokane Arts Commission website to view the Meet the Makers
film series project featuring “the creators who shaped Spokane and who made
Spokane what it is.” Grant funding extended this project into 2018, and three
to four artists will soon join the series, which currently features Harold Balazs
and Friends of Mine.
Remember that partnership with the city-appointed commission? The City
Arts Commission makes recommendations to the City Council for funding
public art, such as the pieces seen at Riverfront Park, art on the Central City
STA Line, and signal boxes.
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ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE