Creation of New Work Grant

The Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation offers the Creation of New Work (CNW) grant as part of its broader mission to promote excellence in the arts in Greater Hartford, Connecticut. This initiative was established in 2003 to foster artistic creativity and to support collaborations between artists and arts organizations that benefit both the participants and the surrounding community. In 2025, the CNW grant has a focused theme: it will exclusively support projects celebrating America 250, the United States' semiquincentennial. All funded projects must be completed by July 2026 to align with the national celebration. Eligible projects must involve a collaboration between a named artist or artists and a 501(c)(3) arts organization located in the Foundation’s designated geographic area. This includes Hartford and nearby towns such as Avon, Bloomfield, East Hartford, and West Hartford. Artists must primarily live or work in this region. The grant supports both residencies, where artists work on-site with an organization, and commissions, where artists may work independently. All funded work must be new and must be made available for public exhibition, ideally through free or permanently installed programming. Applications are accepted quarterly, with 2025 deadlines on February 3, May 1, August 1, and November 3. The board meets to review applications on March 11, June 17, September 16, and December 19 respectively. Prior to submitting an application, organizations are required to contact Executive Director Lisa Curran to discuss their proposed project. Site visits may be scheduled for first-time applicants. Artists cannot apply independently and must partner with an eligible arts organization. The Foundation assesses CNW proposals based on artistic excellence, the strength and clarity of the collaboration, and the project's potential to benefit the local community. Each project must be completed within 24 months of receiving the award. Organizations must submit status reports every three months and a final post-grant report within six months after project completion. No new applications will be accepted from a grantee until the previous CNW-funded project is completed and reported. Required application components include detailed contact and organizational information, a project description, and attachments such as IRS documentation, financial statements, and artistic credentials. Specifically, CNW applicants must also include the artist’s CV, a statement, and work samples. Applications are submitted online only; materials sent by mail or email will not be considered. Historically, CNW awards have ranged from $12,500 to $20,000. Previous recipients have included institutions such as Real Art Ways, Charter Oak Cultural Center, and the Hartford Public Library, with projects spanning performance art, visual installations, and multimedia compositions. Interested applicants should carefully review the foundation's application form and grant guidelines, and contact the executive director well in advance of submission deadlines.