Arts Council announces grant awardees

The Vermont Arts Council has awarded $155,000 in funding to 26 artists through the Creation Grant program, which supports Vermont artists in creating new work.

Among this year’s awarded proposals are works that span visual arts, literary arts, dance, music, film, and multidisciplinary fields. Projects include a series of quilts exploring grief, relief, and comfort; an inclusive, graphic-illustrated human biology resource; and a series of paintings telling the story of a lost homeland.

Twenty-one grants of $5,000 were awarded to Vermont artists to pay for time spent on the creative process, buy materials or equipment, rent space or hire services needed to complete the work.

For the first time this year, the Council awarded five $10,000 awards for performing arts groups, made possible through a partnership with the Trust for Art and Social Practice. Performing arts groups often face unique challenges, including higher production costs, technical requirements, and the involvement of multiple artists. This expanded funding helps address those needs and strengthens support for collaborative projects.

A total of 213 eligible applications were received for this highly competitive award, with over $1 million requested in funding. Proposals were reviewed by an independent panel of practicing artists and arts professionals. The Council was able to support 13% of the requested need, totaling $155,000 in grant funding.

For more information about the Creation Grant program go to www.vermontartscouncil.org/creation.

Local recipients include Rae Heller, of West Brattleboro; Salome Milstead, of Newfane; Amber Paris, of Putney; and Ruth Shafer of Brattleboro

For more information about FY27 Creation grantees, including biographies and photos, go to www.vermontartscouncil.org/fy27-creation-grantees.