Due to an overwhelming response, we have completely allocated our current round of funding for the Art Materials Grants for students. To add your name to the mailing list to receive notification if another round of funding opens up, please subscribe here.
The Arts at MIT is excited to announce a grant that provides between $50 and $250 of funding to purchase art supplies for pods and virtual groups. Our mission is to support shared art experiences for learning, pleasure, and community building. Groups may be at any skill level and have any affiliation (pod, learning group, friend group, academic group) but must consist entirely of current MIT students. Student Arts staff will offer advice and guidance, though we anticipate groups will be largely student-led and taught.
Before applying for a materials grant, please review the FAQ below. When applications are open, they will be considered on a rolling basis; expect them to be processed within two weeks of submission. When submitting your budget, please remember we aim to serve as many students as possible; your proposal should be comprehensive but not indulgent. In-person groups can save money by sharing materials and tools.
All project materials must be at safety level GREEN on the Project Manus Remote Making Guidelines.
At the conclusion of your project, we ask that you prepare a brief completion report to share your experience. The completion report can be in any form: 1-3 minute video, 1-2 page report with photos, etc. We care more about seeing your process than your product; this grant is meant to support and to encourage all skill levels.
Feel free to email us at student_art@mit.edu with questions.
For more information, contact: student_art@mit.edu
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be in my group?
Only current MIT students can receive these materials grants. Off-campus roommates, family members, etc. can not participate.
Can this be an in-person group?
Only members of the same MIT pod are approved to work together in person. Participants are expected to adhere to the most up-to date-guidelines from the Division of Student Life regarding social gatherings.
Can this work via Zoom?
Yes! Many people have found that Zoom is an effective platform for remote art making in a group.
What if we have never used these materials before or are beginners?
This grant is meant to support and to encourage all skill levels, beginner to advanced. The most important thing is that members of a group are able to work together in a supportive way, no matter the skill level or previous artistic experience of the participants.
Who purchases and researches the materials?
Group leads and participants, as they choose to allocate these responsibilities. We are available to answer questions and offer advice as needed via Zoom.
Where do I purchase materials?
Please click here to download our materials purchasing guide.
If we are a remote group how do we allocate materials?
Individual participants can order their own materials online and be reimbursed by the group lead, or the leads can order and send materials to participants. Socially distant pick-ups may be an option for some local groups.
Can we have an actual “class?”
We anticipate that most groups will be self-sufficient, but should you need instruction or guidance please address that in your proposal.
Why does this have to be a group?
The goal of this program is to provide students with materials to make art together. For projects beyond this scope, the Office of the Arts has two grant programs through The Council for the Arts at MIT (CAMIT) that fund larger-scale and more advanced projects for individuals and groups.
When are applications due?
Grants are awarded on a rolling basis. Funding is limited; we encourage you to submit your materials early.
Additional questions? Email us at: student_art@mit.edu