LYME/OLD LYME — UPDATED 3/19: Lymes Creative Arts is offering mini grants of up to $1000 plus materials to instructors providing hands-on arts opportunities to Lyme and Old Lyme teens this summer
The organization is accepting Summer 2023 programming proposals that help teens consider hands-on artmaking as a way to enrich their lives and find fulfillment in artistic expression.
Proposals are due April 3, 2023. Programming must occur between June 20 and August 20, 2023. Full grant instructions and application forms are posted on the Lymes Creative Arts webpage.
Priority programs include:
● Visual Arts: Such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography
● Craft making: Such as pottery, textile art, woodworking
● Literary Arts: Such as creative writing, journaling, poetry
● Performing Arts: Such as music, dance, songwriting, theater
With funding from the American Rescue Plan, programming must be affordable (either free of charge to the student or a small nominal fee), easy to participate in (materials provided, all skill levels), and take place in Old Lyme and Lyme so that transportation is not an issue.
Instructors are paid a stipend and materials for student participation are considered separately.
Lymes Creative Arts is prepared to help instructors find a suitable location for workshops and classes in Lyme/Old Lyme if needed. A review panel comprised of the three sponsoring organizations — Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, Sustainable Lyme, and Sustainable Old Lyme — will evaluate the applications.
Important Dates
● Proposals Due: April 3, 2023
● Panel Review: April 4-April 17, 2023
● Programming Announced: April 17, 2023
● Program Window: June 20-August 20
● Evaluation Period: August-September 2023
Program Goals
● Low or no-cost programming so students of all socio-economic backgrounds can participate
● Programs provide students transformative ways to manage stress through artistic expression
● A selection of programs in a variety of media
● Offered at a variety of times and weeks during the summer
● Low-stress offerings among the mix
● Individual artistic expression is celebrated and not compared to others’ progress
● Programs offered by young adults when possible
● Beginners embraced and offered opportunities to feel confident
● Programs marketed to students directly as well as to parents
Editor’s Note: Lymes Creative Arts is a collaborative effort of Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, Sustainable Lyme, and Sustainable Old Lyme offering affordable and accessible creative arts programming for middle school and high school residents of the two towns. The initiative, now in its third season, is designed to reduce barriers to participation such as access to program options, time availability, and financial hardship.
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