Creative Catalyst Fund 2022

Launched by Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs in 2020, the Creative Catalyst Fund supports the local community of artists and cultural organizations, which provides immense social and economic value to the City of Newark by revitalizing neighborhoods, inspiring students, and generally improving the quality of life for city residents. The Fund is administered by the City’s Division Arts and Cultural Affairs through local arts agency, Newark Arts, and provides grants to individual artists and small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations with an arts or culture-focused mission.

The application form will be available on November 9, 2022. The deadline to apply will be December 1. Grant funds will be administered by Newark Arts. Awarded funds must be used by June 1, 2023. A final report must also be completed at the end of the grant cycle. 

Applicants must choose between the two grant streams listed below, based on eligibility. Applicants may only apply to a single grant stream. Please review these Guidelines thoroughly before beginning an application.

GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT

• Eligibility: Newark-based non-profit arts and cultural organizations with annual operating budgets up to $2 million 
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $25,000

Grants to support general operating costs of small and mid-sized non-profit arts and cultural organizations. Awarded funds may be used to cover any operating costs, including but not limited to staff salaries and benefits, rent, program-specific expenses, or costs incurred as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Grants over $5,000 must be matched by funds raised from other sources.

ARTIST FELLOWSHIPS

• Eligibility: Newark-based individual artists or artist collectives working in any artistic discipline 
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $5,000

Grants to support individual artists or artist collectives who have shown exceptional creative ability and commitment to social impact through their work. Awarded funds may be used to cover any expenses related to the artist’s practice, including but not limited to workspace rent, supplies or equipment, or costs incurred as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. There is no matching requirement.