Instant Grant Program from Steve Lambert on Vimeo.

Where do artists get financial support?  Often, they apply for grants that take months to get approved.

Some students in New York decided there could be a better way – give anyone (not just professional artists) an arts grant – instantly.

This unusual gesture, they hope, would encourage others to reignite their passion for the arts and to see themselves as creative beings.

The story behind GenerosityFoundation.org:

We all learn art in school. Every kid loves to draw at some point. People get fascinated with the details of their new camera, or spend free time writing poems. But eventually, there’s no teacher telling you how great your are, or the camera gets put away, or you just plain get busy and stop. Years could go by before you start again, if you ever do at all.

The FSNUA aims to re-inspire creative thinking and action in everyday people by removing a small barrier and providing encouragement. We give small, unsecured grants in the form of $10-$60 for creative projects thought up on the spot by everyday people. In the past this has included a merchant marine, two 10 year old girls, a US soldier on leave from Iraq, an accordion player from Alaska, and around 40 others. We funded their new paintings, drawings, knitting, and photojournalism projects, and the repair of one accordion. Projects that may not have happened had they not come across 10 people in the park to support and inspire the thought.

Beyond the small amount of money, the project encourages people to see themselves as something other than workers or consumers even if it just for the length of time required to apply for the FSNUA grant. We also hope to re-inspire dormant desires to create while presenting an example of generosity without an ulterior motive.

It’s fair to say the result is beautiful, motivating, friendly and a bit chaotic (in an exciting way).

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