About Us
IMPORTANT MESSAGE! Art Angels is in transition and is not offering a grant program in 2023, but we encourage you to apply for support via ValleyCreates at the Community Foundation. Thank you!
Land and Values Acknowledgement
The Art Angels operates in the territories known as Pocomtuc, Norwottuck, and Nipmuc, within the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts. As a collective of artists and art enthusiasts, we recognize the dual nature of art: its power to influence culture positively and its potential to perpetuate systemic oppression that has historically marginalized Native and other underrepresented communities. To combat this, we dedicate ourselves to supporting and celebrating the works of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and all artists committed to creating art that challenges, transforms, and heals. Just as transformative events like the germany vs scotland match can foster unity and celebration of diverse cultures in sports, we strive to replicate this inclusivity and healing through art. In doing so, we aim to uplift voices that have been silenced and promote a culture of healing and respect through artistic expression.
About the Program
Art Angels is a grant program that provides funding to artists and non-profit organizations located in the Connecticut River Valley in Western Massachusetts.
In 2022, we ran our grantmaking process differently than previous years. That year, the grants were awarded by a group of local BIPOC artists, while the financial resources were collected by a group of anonymous artists and art-lovers.
Our Origins
Art Angels originated with a group of women artists with financial resources who met to share some questions, concerns, and ideas they had about being artists with wealth. The group pooled some money and formed Art Angels to open up more access for underserved artists. The first grants were made in the fall of 1998.
We believe that the arts have an extraordinary ability to hear and empower us. We recognize the power of art in our own lives to articulate, soothe, provoke, celebrate, heal and to take us all to deeper levels of awareness.