Creative County Meetup: 2026 Grant Info Session

Creative County Initiative Meetups are free, monthly virtual gatherings where artists, cultural leaders, and creative professionals across Essex County connect, share resources, and discover opportunities to strengthen our creative ecosystem. Each month, we bring together experts and community members to tackle timely topics affecting the creative sector.
When: Wednesday, January 14 | 9–10 AM
Where: Virtual (Zoom link sent upon registration)
Register: bit.ly/CCIMeetup (FREE)

This Month: 2026 Creative County Grants
With federal arts funding uncertain and economic pressures mounting, local support for creative work matters more than ever. Creative County Initiative’s 2026 grant programs open this month — and we want to make sure you have everything you need to apply.
Karen and Sabrina will walk through all three grant opportunities:
ALAANA Artists Grant — Up to $5,000
For BIPOC/ALAANA artists living or working in Essex County. Supports specific creative projects that can be completed and presented within 12 months.
Special Project Grant — Up to $5,000
For any individual or group with an innovative project that elevates arts, culture, and creativity in Essex County. Ideal for pilot programs, inaugural events, or new elements of existing work.
Last Mile Fund — Up to $500
For professional development, supplies, entry fees, travel costs, and other smaller needs that help you reach your creative goals.
All three programs accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year — but this session is your chance to ask questions, hear what makes a strong application, and connect with the team before you apply.
Special consideration will be given to projects that serve community challenges during the current moment.
We’ll see you Wednesday!

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Creative County Initiative Meetups are free, monthly virtual gatherings connecting artists, cultural leaders, and creative professionals across Essex County. These collaborative forums create opportunities to share resources, discuss challenges, discover professional development opportunities, and build partnerships that strengthen our creative ecosystem.

The Creative County Meetups are presented by Essex County Community Foundation and hosted by Karen Ristuben, John Andrews Creative Collective MA and Sabrina Boggio @sgb.marketing.design

 Register at bit.ly/CCIMeetup