Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant Program

The Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant recognizes the important contribution of working artists to the cultural life of the region by providing an annual financial award to promote the artistic growth of visual artists and craftspeople. The purpose of the award is not to reward past work, but to recognize the applicant best positioned to continue the improvement of their artistic career.

  • Geographic focus

    The applicant must have been a permanent resident in the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Piscataqua Region for at least two full years prior to applying, and must plan to maintain permanent residence in the region during the entire grant period.

  • Eligibility

    Please refer to the Eligibility and Terms to determine eligibility.

  • Grant amount

    An award ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 will be made annually. Additional grants may also be awarded to finalists.

  • Previous recipients

    2019: Victoria Elbroch of Kittery, ME – painting and drawing

    2018: Sachiko Akiyama of Portsmouth, NH – sculpture and printmaking

    2017: Cathy McLaurin of Danville, NH – sculpture

    2016: Carly Glovinski of Dover, NH – conceptual artist

    2015: Cheryle St. Onge of Durham, NH – photographer

    2014: Lauren Gillette of York, Maine – conceptual artist

    2013: Justin Kirchoff of Eliot, Maine – photographer

    2012: Bear Kirkpatrick of Dover, NH – digital media artist

    2011: Kim Bernard of Rockland, Maine – kinetic sculpture and installation artist

    2010: Gail Spaien of Kittery, Maine – painter and installation artist

    2009: Lynn Szymanski of Rollinsford, NH – wood and mixed media furniture and sculpture

    2008: Ross Cisneros of Milton, NH – new media

    2007: Kirsten Reynolds of Newmarket, NH – installation, sculpture, photography and digital images

    2006: Barbara Rita Jenny of Portsmouth, NH – digital print making and installation

    2005: Tim Gaudreau of Portsmouth, NH – eco-art

    2004: Maureen Mills of Portsmouth, NH – hand thrown and altered stoneware

    2003: Katherine Doyle of New Castle, NH – painting and drawing

    2002: Gary Haven Smith of Northwood, NH – stone sculpture

  • Application deadline

    Thursday, April 30, 2020, 5:00 pm Eastern time

  • Jurors

    Shana Dumont Garr, Curator, Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, MA

    Michael Mansfield, Executive Director and Chief Curator, Ogunquit Museum of American Art, Ogunquit, ME

    Sarah Montross, Curator, de Cordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, MA

Application and grant process

Step 1

Learn more about the program and determine eligibility.

Read the Eligibility and Terms and the Frequently Asked Questions documents.

Step 2

Prepare your application materials.

Applications are submitting using the online application management system, SlideRoom.  It is recommended that you prepare your questions and supporting materials prior to beginning the online application. Review frequently asked questions.

Applicants will be able to copy and paste answers into the application. You may go to SlideRoom to create an account anytime. If you have applied in previous years, your account should still be active. All applications must be submitted through SlideRoom.

Step 3

Complete online application by Thursday, April 30, 2020. 

Step 4

Receive funding.

If your application was funded, you will be notified no later than August. Funds are generally released in September or October.

Step 5

Participate in recognition event.

The Charitable Foundation will recognize the awardee and finalists at a reception.

Step 6

Report.

You will be asked to submit a report six months into the funding period (usually April) and at the end of your funding period.

We're here to help

  • Maria Sillari
  • Consultant
Simon Delekta
  • Simon Delekta
  • Senior Program Officer, Piscataqua Region