No Studios intends to creates even more yeses for local artists – even in these difficult times. The creative hub, in partnership with the Wisconsin-based startup accelerator gener8tor, announced the new No Studios Artist Grant Program this week, which will give $100,000 each year to Wisconsin artists – particularly those in underserved populations – to help them complete their creations. 

"I remember how challenging it was to find resources to complete the creative projects I wanted to complete," said John Ridley, Academy award winner, No Studios founder and Wisconsin native, in a press release. "It’s an honor to be able to help fund artists and provide the resources they need to help them realize their vision."

"We are fortunate to partner with No Studios in advancing this remarkable effort," said Joe Kirgues, gener8tor co-founder, in the release. "By providing a structure of professional development and mentorship, we can support creative professionals and help them execute their creative projects."

The new grant program will distribute up to $25,000 a quarter, with individual recipients – ranging from fields including visual arts, photography, music, film, dance, fashion, poetry, creative writing, performancere and beyond – receiving awards up to $10,000 each. Special consideration for the grants will be given to BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, female-identifying, disabled and veteran creatives. 

"Artists help us reflect on our common human experiences be they hopeful, confusing, inspiring or painful," Ridley said, in the release. "At this time in particular, we need individuals who can help us make sense of the times we live in and help us understand life and each other a little bit better."

The inaugural application submission period will start in early March, with the first batch of grant recipients announced in June. To apply, Wisconsin artists should visit the No Studios Artist Grant Program's website. (Stay tuned as well for webinars and virtual office hour sessions from gener8tor to help with any questions or concerns with the application process.) And for more information on the grants, check out the video below.