23 Artists Funded in New Bedford Art Grants

Art will be everywhere in New Bedford this spring and summer, thanks to a grant program funded by state and local organizations, the private sector, and private foundations.

Twenty-three artists received funding for their projects. Zane Cox of the New Bedford Economic Development Council joined two of the artists during a visit to Townsquare Sunday.

"We've been running the 'Art is Everywhere' grant program since 2020," Cox said. "Applications are available on our website in the fall, and available to mid-November."

How Competitive Is the Grant Process?

Grant winners are chosen by an independent review committee. Cox said New Bedford Creative received more than 93 applications for funding. Twenty-three were funded in the process Cox described as "very competitive."

Meet the Artists Bringing Art to the Community

One of the artists chosen was Roger Andrews, a first-time recipient, whose project is titled SketchyGOitchie DRAW, a series of digital iPad workshops at New Bedford Housing Authority sites.

"What we do is bring young people in, teaching them art on the iPad," Andrews said. "So it's an interesting mix of art and technology. There is really no barriers, we provide the iPad."

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Elyse Laurel is a watercolor and ink artist. She will be hosting watercolor and ink workshops throughout downtown New Bedford.

"I've been doing free workshops at the New Bedford Women's Center and at Play Arcade on AHA! Night, and those have grown tremendously. We're now in the planning mode for 2026," she said.

"This has been a dream come true," Laurel said. "I didn't think I was going to get the grant. I know how competitive it was, so this is amazing."

All programs are free, so watch for them this spring and summer.

Why New Bedford Is Becoming an Arts Destination

"Artists have always been in New Bedford," Cox said. "But I don't think New Bedford has ever been an arts destination the way it is now. We're on the national stage now, and I hope people understand that and appreciate it."

If you would like your nonprofit organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.