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The Best Grants for Women in the Arts

Woman artist painting

Many would agree that being an artist can be a costly and unpredictable profession. This is especially true for women, as they continually struggle to gain equal representation when compared to their male counterparts. Whether you’re a woodworker who specializes in mission-style living room furniture or a visual artist with an anamorphosis concentration, there’s a grant for you. That’s why we’ve put together some of the best grants for female artists.
Barbara Deming Memorial Fund (Money for Women Grant)
Barbara Deming was a feminist, lesbian, poet, writer, and nonviolent activist during the civil rights and women’s movements. Founding the Money for Women Grant in 1975, Deming hoped to give financial and moral support to creative women in her same field of work. Twice a year, the fund awards $500 to $1,500 to individual feminists who partake in writing and visual art that focuses on uplifting other women.

Anonymous Was a Woman Grant
In order to fight on behalf on women artists and demonstrate the importance of women supporting women within the art world, Susan Unterberg lifted her anonymity as the creator of this grant in July of 2018. She awards $25,000 to ten women each year. The applying artist must be over the age of 40 and at a critical junction in their career. Winners are chosen based on the quality of their work as well as their accomplishments, originality, and growth.

Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation
Adolph Gottlieb was part of the small group of artists who initiated the Abstract Expressionism movement, allowing him to achieve artistic and financial success far beyond his expectations. Adolph and his wife Esther were known for always lending a helping hand. They created two individual-support grants, which are available to mature artists who can no longer create their work without financial aid.

Women’s Studio Workshop Grants
The Women’s Studio Workshop (WSW) offers a variety of residency grants and internships to artists. Fueled by an artist-centered philosophy and a commitment to the individual creative process, WSW provides an artist with the money and space they need to create. They provide technical advice and 24-hour studio access with either adjacent or on-site housing.

The Leeway Foundation
While this foundation is currently only serving individuals in the Greater Philadelphia area, their mission is one that many can get behind. Leeway Foundation’s grant programs honor women and transgender artists who create social change through their work. In hopes of challenging societal norms, they created programs that challenge traditional grantmaking. They recognize women and trans artists who are ignored, silenced, and marginalized because of who they are and what they do.

These five grants for women in the arts, along with many others, are changing the lives of underestimated artists everywhere. If you’re interested in applying for any of the grants on this list, click the organizations name to be redirected to their site. While these grants are certainly helpful, there are so many other grants for female artists out there—take the time to find the right one for you.