The Wisconsin Arts Board Chequamegon Bay Arts Council will begin accepting applications to the Chequamegon Bay Arts Initiative Grant on December 31.

This program is for artists and non-profit organizations in Bayfield and Ashland counties. In providing these resources, CBAC hopes to deepen and expand the success of the arts in the bay area by fostering artistic growth, aiding in the initiation of quality artistic endeavors, and creating additional arts opportunities throughout the community. Arts Initiative Grants are project based.

Proposed projects may include public exhibitions, performances, publications, touring productions, commissioned art and educational activities. Artistic disciplines may encompass dance, theater, music, folk arts, literary arts, video, film and visual arts.

Arts Initiative grants include the Jim Ramsdell Soaring Spirit Fund. These funds are intended for Arts Initiative grant applications that are… “dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of the natural world around us and fostering a reverence for all its creatures.” (Jim Ramsdell). These funds were made available as a memorial for Jim to further his work.

An Arts Initiative Grant request can range from $250 to $3,000. Total available funding is $15,000.

Soaring Spirit grants range from $250 to $2,000.  Total available funding is $2,000.

Applicants must be either: 

1) An individual or organization residing in Ashland or Bayfield County or 

2) An artist whose proposed project primarily serves or is related to the residents of Ashland or Bayfield County