Washington state has incredible organizations statewide that help bolster the creative economy by helping creatives thrive. The team at Whipsmart reached out to these organizations to better understand their particular programs and perspective on the creative economy.
Artist Trust’s mission is to support and encourage artists working in all disciplines to enrich community life throughout Washington State.
We believe in the power of Washington State artists.
Since our founding in 1986, Artist Trust has invested over $15 million in grants, resources, and career training for thousands of emerging, mid-career and established artists throughout Washington’s urban and rural communities. We are one of the few non-profit artist support organizations in the country, and the only in Washington State, that provides financial and professional support for artists.
Our work has two core components: Professional Development and Direct Support. Professional Development includes career training workshops, networking opportunities, information sessions, online resources, and programming that positively impact artists’ ability to make a living, helping create just and thriving local economies. Direct Support includes merit and need based funding programs that support artists at all career stages directly, with an intersectional focus on racial and geographical diversity and equity.
Washington State artists were among the first to face severe career disruption and income loss due to COVID-19. Artist Trust immediately set to work moving resources to artists facing financial crisis. We created a statewide artist survey to better understand the impacts on Washington State’s artist population. The need for immediate financial relief was apparent, and we created the COVID-19 Artist Trust Relief Fund. Over a 13-month period, over $900,000 was raised and distributed to 565 artists, the most direct financial support given to artists in our organization’s history. This has since informed a new grant program, the Artist Trust Endurance Grants, launching on July 11 this year. Through this we’ll be able to give 40 artists emergency financial support of $2,500 each. Our organization has committed to this program for at least three years.
The creative economy makes our communities thoughtful, vibrant, and equitable.
Look for networks, connections, and resources. So many folks are happy to sit down and skill-share with emerging creatives.
Have generative conversations with others who are doing similar work. Find a mentor (or peers who you can bounce ideas off with). And finally, attend a concert, art exhibition, or gallery walk. Go see a great film. Connecting with art always inspires.
You can sign up for our newsletter at www.artisttrust.org, follow us on social, or email us at info@artisttrust.org.
Website
Social Media Handles
Instagram: @artisttrust
Linkedin: artist-trust