LINC Launches Space for Change: Building Communities Through Innovative Arts Spaces

Through a funding collaboration between the MetLife Foundation and Ford Foundation, LINC announces Space for Change:  Building Communities Through Innovative Art Spaces.

The pursuit of artistic practices and the presentation of creative work often require unique spaces, and despite increasing public awareness of these needs, access to affordable spaces remains a key challenge for many artists.  The urgency of this issue has galvanized leaders in art and culture, planning, and community development fields to recognize the impact of artist space development projects on communities.  Research also points to positive physical, social, and economic impacts, including increased employment opportunities and improved youth development and arts programs for residents.

To highlight the production of artist spaces in an emerging framework of cultural equity, where artists are key stakeholders and contributors in community building and revitalization, the Space for Change program will begin by launching the MetLife Innovative Space Awards (ISA).  In November 2009, up to five winning ISA projects will receive awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to recognize and promote successful artist spaces that exhibit innovation, affordability, sustainability and positive community impact.

Additionally, the Ford Foundation Space for Change Predevelopment Grants will award grants to new projects in the early stages of planning that demonstrate the same commitment to creating affordable artist spaces.  Guidelines for these grants will be made available in spring 2010.