Arts Mid-Hudson is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Empowered Artist Award, which provides three unrestricted awards of $3,000 each to artists living and working in Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

The Empowered Artist Award responds to one of the most pressing needs artists face today: access to unrestricted funding. These awards are designed to support artists in creating new work, purchasing materials or equipment, accessing educational opportunities, and covering living expenses, empowering them to advance their creative careers on their own terms.

The award was established by Linda Marston-Reid, former Executive Director of Arts Mid-Hudson, who created the fund upon her retirement after ten years of service to the region’s arts community. Her vision was to uplift and invest in the creative individuals whose work shapes and reflects the cultural vitality of the Mid-Hudson Valley. Arts Mid-Hudson continues this legacy by offering funding that trusts artists to know what they need most.

Application guidelines and eligibility requirements are available on the Arts Mid-Hudson website: www.artsmidhudson.org/empowered-artist-award

“We look forward to assisting artists in their applications to the Empowered Artist Award. Arts Mid-Hudson’s Grants Team offers extensive and personalized grant assistance to applicants so they may improve their applications and apply what they learn to other funding opportunities.” – Lilia Pérez, Grants Manager

Application Support for Artists

To ensure accessibility and clarity throughout the application process, Arts Mid-Hudson offers a variety of support services:

Virtual Information Session:

A comprehensive information session will be held on Wednesday, August 6, at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. This session will provide a detailed overview of the application process, eligibility requirements, and the selection criteria. A recording of the session will be made available on YouTube and linked on the Arts Mid-Hudson website.

Click Here To RSVP for the Information Session.

Weekly Q&A Zoom Sessions:

Applicants are invited to attend one of several scheduled Q&A sessions to ask questions and receive additional guidance. These sessions will be conducted via Zoom, and RSVP is required to receive access details.

• Tuesday, August 12th at 3:00 PM

• Wednesday, August 20th at 5:00 PM

• Monday, August 25th at 11:00 AM

• Thursday, August 28th at 4:00 PM

Click Here To RSVP for Q&A Sessions,

Personalized Application Assistance:

Artists can schedule free, one-on-one appointments with Arts Mid-Hudson’s Grants Team for tailored guidance. Sessions are available by phone and can be booked online.

Click Here To Schedule an Appointment.

For general inquiries, applicants can reach the AMH Grants Team at grants@artsmidhudson.org or by calling (845) 454-3222 ext. 11.

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