Becker Emergency Fund for Visual Artists – Cambridge Art Association

In 2023, the Cambridge Art Association launched the Emergency Fund for Artists. In 2024, the fund was re-named the Becker Emergency Fund for Visual Artists, named after CAA’s former Director Erin Becker, who served CAA for 12-years and initially launched the fund.

We anticipate issuing grants quarterly, following a simplified application process. Dependent on the size of the fund – this is where your help is needed! – grants will range from $500-1,000, with a minimum of $4,000 distributed in each grant cycle.

What is the goal of the Emergency Fund?

Over the past four years, CAA staff members have received an increase in requests for shipping support, entry fee waivers, and similar kinds of financial support that is often needed at the last minute. We were able to respond, in 2020, with fee waivers for all CAA exhibits. Annually, approximately 10% of exhibition applicants utilize these fee waivers.

What we learned, in working to assistance artists with other kinds of funding is this – very few grants are readily available for these needs, and there are only a handful of programs, regionally or nationally, that provide this type of support. As an organization committed to supporting artists of all ages – and particularly emerging artists of all ages, 2025 feels like the time to continue this kind of support for our community. The Emergency Fund aligns directly with both our ongoing mission, and a renewed focus on creating equitable access to opportunity for all visual artists.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must reside in the Metro Boston Area, with preference given to applicants who reside in Cambridge, MA.

What kinds of projects or opportunities are eligible for funding?

This new fund is designed to support transformational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach for applicants. These may include: exhibition opportunities that require framing or other materials costs; travel expenses related to residencies; or emergency expenses related to maintaining a visual arts practice – including rent and materials costs. The opportunity must be clearly defined, and applicants must supply supporting material as part of the application – including letters of acceptance, etc.

APPLY TODAY

If you have questions after reviewing the application form, please contact Candice Driver at cdriver@cambridgeart.org. No phone calls, please.

Spring 2024 Grantees

Fall 2025 Grantees

Photograph by Mark Ostow

Thank you to our founding supporters:

Cambridge Arts
Nancy & Kenneth Crasco
David Fogel & Jill Bradley
Hillary Rolls Kelly & Jason Kelly
Holly & Ned Larner
Deb & Ron Peeples
Margaret & John Sheldon

Featured image courtesy of Amy Dyer