US House Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost has introduced a new bill that would provide federal grants to support new musicians and artists, titled The CREATE Art Act.

According to Consequence.net, this new bill would provide grants between $2,000 and $100,000 for artistic projects, live performances, general living expenses, and even more. For example, a “Progress Grant” can provide $2,000 to support a year of artistic activities, while a “Development Grant” could give up to $10,000 to cover living expenses during research and creation stages of an artistic project. There are grants provided for bigger projects as well, with a “Project Grant” that can provide an artist with $100,000 over the course of a two year period, and there is also a “Live Performance Grant,” which can give up to $35,000 for a live performance.

Any artist is eligible for these grants, as long as they provide consistent, accessible art, and they have earned less that $50,000 in the last five years from their art. (via consequence.net)

Congressman Frost commented on his motivation behind the act in a recent press release, stating, “artists contribute value to our community’s culture and economy but are asked to assume the risk and expense. The same way we assist small businesses in getting off the ground, we should be supporting emerging artists. The CREATE Art Act would help usher in a new era of support and equity across countless creative industries and the local economies they empower.”

Congressman Frost has received support in this act from Congressman Dan Kildee, Congressman Greg Casar, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In a recent press release, Congressman Kildee stated “live music and performing arts contribute billions to our economy each year. And they also bring our communities together. By investing in artists, we are enriching our communities, helping create good-paying jobs, and boosting our local economies.” Congressman Casar added, “as someone who represents the Live Music Capital of the world, so many of my constituents are musicians and artists. But when we say we love our ‘starving artists,’ we don’t actually mean we want them to starve. With the CREATE Art Act, we’re making sure the next generation of artists can support themselves, boost our local economies, and inspire us all.”

The CREATE Art Act has also received support from many artistic advocacy groups, including the American Association of Independant Music (A2IM). Their president and CEO, Dr. Richard James Burgess, stated that “we thank Representatives Frost, Casar, Ocasio-Cortez, and Kildee for their continued efforts to support creatives and artists through the creation of the CREATE Art Act… By reducing financial barriers and fostering equitable opportunities, this legislation not only supports the artistic community but also enriches our cultural landscape.” (via consequence.net)

Photo credit: Mehreen Rizvi