As an independent backpack designer in Southern Louisiana, I know how quickly things can take a turn for the worst. Just ask any artist / craftsperson that vended at the 2018 Bayou Boogaloo when high winds created a “twister” leaving tents tangled and our beloved handiwork smashed into the mud. This is why I am happy to share my experience with the national CERF+ (Craft Emergency Relief Fund) Artist Readiness Program with my fellow Louisianan creatives.
NOLA.com
The CERF+ funds are managed by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge through their Get Ready Grant (GRG) program and is one of the only state grants that provide a direct payout to local creators and innovators. I applied for the first time this year after noticing my studio was taking on water during heavy rains. I realized how vulnerable our current system of hand drawn sewing steps on papers loosely gathered in a binder was to the sustained success of our business. The grant awarded $500 to digitize, organize and protect this important Tchoup Industries intellectual property.
With the $500 I hired a part time intern to handle the extra work this project required. While she organized these files, we noticed we were missing instructions for one of our best-selling pack designs. Our seasoned stitcher April Bachtel (who is also a visual artist) created the full illustrated sewing steps for making our Petite Roulez Pack.
I have more peace of mind knowing the sewing step instructions to our most popular bag styles are complete and now backed up in a digital format. Our loose paper sketches and handwritten notes are now easier to reference behind tabbed dividers and safe within sheet protectors, making daily access to information much more efficient.
Could this small grant be helpful for you and your creative business? Here’s more information!
Grants Award Available: $500
The application was very straightforward and took me less than an hour to complete. Here are their only requirements for eligibility:
- Be an artist working in a visual, performance, or craft discipline
- Have been residing and working in Louisiana for the last two years
- Not have received a Get Ready Grant in calendar year 2023 or 2024
And here’s a list of eligible projects that are covered with this grant funding:
- Tutorials or training in e-commerce
- Professional photography of their craft portfolio
- Employing the services of website designers
- Short-term support for childcare to allow studio work time
- Installing equipment for safely working with studio staff and/or students
- Documentation and archiving
- Inventory software
- Business planning for continuity and contingencies
- Creating secure business record-keeping systems
- Safety equipment
- Upgrading studio and/or equipment to improve studio health and safety
- Contractor consulting
- Purchasing safer materials and supplies
- Emergency tools, supplies and equipment
- Upgrading studio to reduce disaster risk
- Contractor consulting
- Theft protection measures
- Legacy or estate planning
- Financial planning services
- Documentation or digitization of artwork and/or related records
- Legal counsel
- Enrolling in a professional development course or workshop to enhance career protection
Applications open on April 1st of every year and funding is awarded until they reach their quota. Mark your calendar for next year and apply early! There is loads more information on the Arts Council’s website including a helpful webinar video and full grant guidelines.
This project is supported by CERF+ and the Mellon Foundation through a grant administered by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.
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