Artists are finding a helping hand through guaranteed income programs designed to support their careers and provide financial stability.
The Creative Growth Fellowship Program in Sacramento County, California, and the Guaranteed Income for Artists pilot in Minnesota are two key initiatives offering financial assistance to artists in need.
Let’s explore how these programs work, who qualifies, and the impact they have on the creative community.
The Creative Growth Fellowship Program: California
Starting on September 1, 2025, Sacramento County’s Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) will begin distributing payments to participants of the Creative Growth Fellowship Program.
This program was created to support 200 artists from various disciplines, including craft, design, film, literacy, music, performing arts, and visual arts. Each selected artist will receive $850 per month for 12 months, totaling $2.04 million in support.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, applicants must have met specific requirements:
- Residency: They must have been residents of the City of Sacramento at the time of their application. Proof of residency within the last 60 days was required for all applicants.
- Discipline: Applicants must have worked in one of the eligible disciplines (craft, design, film, etc.). Other disciplines were not considered for the program.
- Application: Artists had to submit a completed application, including answers to written prompts and examples of their work.
The deadline to apply has already passed, and the review period is ongoing from June 21 to August 31, 2025. Those who are selected will be notified by the OAC, and payments will be distributed starting in September 2025.
Currently, there are no plans for a second round of funding under the Creative Growth Fellowship Program.
Minnesota’s Guaranteed Income for Artists Pilot
In Minnesota, the Guaranteed Income for Artists Pilot program, run by the nonprofit organization Springboard for the Arts, is also helping local artists. First introduced in 2020, this pilot program supported 75 artists in the Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods outside of Saint Paul.
The program had such positive results that it was extended to help 100 more artists, with each artist receiving $500 per month for an 18-month period.
How Participants Spend the Funds
According to data from Springboard for the Arts, the majority of participants used the funds for critical needs:
- 36% went towards essential services.
- 30% was used for food.
- 10% was spent on housing.
The program has been praised for its ability to relieve financial stress, allowing artists to focus on their work rather than worrying about basic needs.
Laura Zabel, the executive director at Springboard for the Arts, stated, “When artists can focus more on their work, families, art, and their community instead of worrying about basic needs, everyone benefits.”
Other Guaranteed Income Programs
The trend of supporting artists and families through guaranteed income is growing. In addition to the programs in California and Minnesota, other initiatives are offering monthly payments to those in need:
- $2,000 monthly payments are being distributed to select families who meet certain criteria.
- A “jumpstart” initiative is offering $500 in monthly payments to residents in another state, aiming to help families get back on their feet.
These programs are designed to provide financial stability while allowing recipients to focus on important aspects of their lives, including their work, family, and community involvement.
FAQs
What is the Creative Growth Fellowship Program?
The Creative Growth Fellowship Program provides financial assistance to 200 artists in Sacramento County, California. Artists will receive $850 per month for 12 months, totaling $2.04 million in funding.
Who is eligible for the Creative Growth Fellowship Program?
To be eligible, artists must be residents of Sacramento, working in one of the eligible artistic disciplines (craft, design, music, etc.), and provide proof of residency and examples of their work.
When will payments for the Creative Growth Fellowship Program start?
Payments for the Creative Growth Fellowship Program will start on September 1, 2025, and continue through August 31, 2026.
What other guaranteed income programs for artists exist?
In addition to the Creative Growth Fellowship, Minnesota runs the Guaranteed Income for Artists pilot, providing $500 per month for 100 artists in the Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods. Other states also offer various guaranteed income initiatives.
How are artists using guaranteed income payments?
Many artists use guaranteed income payments for essential needs, such as food, housing, and services. This support helps them focus more on their work and less on financial stress.
My name is Chris and I live in Chicago Illinois why don’t struggling People in Illinois I’m on SSI and I’m a single father of two kids.