Creative Empowerment Subgrant Overview

The Creative Empowerment subgrant program is a one-time limited funding opportunity made possible through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) via American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources. The City of Dubuque is serving as a Local Arts Agency (LAA) to subgrant $15,000 in federally awarded funds.

The Creative subgrant program aims to support individual creatives residing within Dubuque city limits in tangible public-facing arts-based projects that further their careers and deepen their community engagement in response to economic and community impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications are encouraged from practicing creatives (artists, curators, arts administrators, producers, presenters, etc) working in artistic disciplines related to the visual arts, dance, music, theater, literature, or media/multimedia that meet all eligibility requirements. Eligible creatives may request funds, including stipends, fees, materials, and marketing costs, that directly support project expenses incurred by producing tangible public-facing outcomes occurring within the defined funding period of performance.

Creative Empowerment funds can be applied for at two (2) different times to align with two (2) independent yet overlapping periods of performance. Awards will be distributed to ensure funds are available for each round. Applicants may submit an application each round but may only receive funding for one (1) project.

ROUND 1This opportunity has closed.
Local Creatives Receive $19,881 in NEA-ARPA Funded Creative Empowerment Round 1 Subawards. Read the press release here.

ROUND 2This opportunity has closed.
Local Creatives Receive $10,000 in NEA-ARPA Funded Creative Empowerment Round 2 Subawards. Read the press release here.

There are additional requirements to receive this federal funding. Carefully review the eligibility, allowable costs, reporting requirements, and TERMS & CONDITIONS before completing the application.

  1. Informational Webinars

Join virtually to learn more about the Creative Empowerment subgrant program. Webinar participants will get clarification on the purpose of the program, a detailed overview of funding requirements, and learn about the application process. Any are welcome to attend. Reviewing the funding materials in advance of the informational webinar is strongly encouraged.

Informational Session: Creative Empowerment Subgrant Program (Round 1) webinar

Informational Session: Creative Empowerment Subgrant Program (Round 2) webinar

Webinar attendees should register in advance at the link above. Registration is free. A recording of the webinar will be posted to this page for those unable to attend the live session. 

  1. Virtual Office Hours
  1. How to Apply
  1. Funding Guidelines
  1. Eligible Applicants
  1. Ineligible Applicants
  1. Eligible Project Types
  1. Allowable Costs
  1. Accessibility, Technical Assistance and Questions

Contact Us

  1. Laura Merrick  |  email
    Communications and Grants Administration Assistant
    563.581.4666

    Economic Development Office
    City Hall Annex
    1300 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 52001

    Follow Us on Social Media

    facebookinstagram


National Endowment for the Arts