ARROW STREET ARTS FUND
About
In Fall 2023, in partnership with Arrow Street Arts, we launched the Arrow Street Arts Fund. This fund aims to strengthen the arts and culture ecosystem by providing subsidized use of a newly renovated Arrow Street Arts multi-space venue located at 2 Arrow Street in Harvard Square. This partnership aims to increase access to affordable and welcoming arts spaces in Cambridge.
The Fund has awarded a total of $65,658 to 11 local performing arts groups as of Summer 2024. Learn about our grants.
The Arrow Street Arts Fund is driven by a 2018 study, “Boston Performing Arts Facilities Assessment”, which highlights that a key barrier for local artists is the limited access to performance spaces, in part because of the cost of rent and related fees. In 2019, the Cambridge Mayor’s Arts Task Force also documented the increasing displacement of artists in Cambridge, which only worsened during the pandemic.
This fund underlines the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening the creative capacity of arts and culture in Cambridge. In addition to lessening the gap between the needs of artists and the availability of performance spaces, grants will aim to support artists from historically underserved groups and diverse backgrounds.
This fund also plays a part in the Foundation’s larger strategic goal of building social cohesion, by strengthening and diversifying the art and culture ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
The ASA Fund accepts applications from organizations and artists with designation as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity or with fiscal sponsorship by an entity with such a designation.
Programs/events applying to the ASA Fund must:
- Be approved through the Arrow Street Arts rental inquiry process
- Serve Cambridge and those that live in or rely on Cambridge
- Align with the goals of the ASA Fund
- Take place within 18 months of the application deadline
Please note approved grants may only be used to subsidize the cost of rental space. Approved grants may or may not cover full cost.
FY25 ASA Fund Cycle Timeline:
Fall Cycle: Applications open mid-September, close mid-October. Decisions by mid-November.
Winter Cycle: Applications open mid-January, close mid-February. Decisions by mid-March.
Spring Cycle: Applications open mid-April, close mid-May. Decisions by mid-June.
Please check back to this page for more information as the application periods approach.
NOTE: Proposed programs/events must take place within 18 months of the decision date. If your event start date is over 18 months away, please wait and apply to a future cycle closer to your event.
Before applying, your program/event must be approved through the Arrow Street Arts rental inquiry process.
All applications must be submitted via CCF’s application portal. Please view the Grant Opportunities page for more information about using the application portal.
The newly renovated, multi-use venue at 2 Arrow Street is available to smaller performing arts organizations and artists in need of space that can accommodate audiences ranging from 150 to 600 people.
ASA’s Black Box, Studio, Green Room, Lobby and Dressing Room will all be available for licensing. With comprehensive lighting, sound, and production capacities, ASA’s facility offers both venue and production services that will help meet community and artists’ needs.
Approved grants may only be used to subsidize the cost of rental space at Arrow Street Arts’ facilities. Please note approved grants may or may not cover the full cost.
Please reach out to: Brandon Solis, Programs and Grantmaking Associate
Email Brandon
617.865.2334
Schedule a call
AT A GLANCE
Resources
→ Fall question list (pdf)
Fall Application Cycle
Applications are closed. Grantees will be notified in November.
Future Cycles
Winter: January – February
Spring: April – May
GRANT OVERVIEW
Grants subsidize the cost of rental space at Arrow Street Arts to increase access to affordable/welcoming arts spaces and support local artists from historically underserved groups and diverse backgrounds.
CONTACT
Brandon Solis
Programs and Grantmaking Associate
Email Brandon
617.865.2334
Schedule a call
Catch our latest stories in grantmaking and programs. 
Arrow Street Arts Fund awards new grants for local performing arts.
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The fund invested $65K in 11 organizations in its first year.
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April 11, 2024
With record requests, 78 organizations receive funding this spring.
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We've invested in Just A Start's Economic Mobility Hub, opening this year at Alewife.
