Gulfport Merchants Chamber opens applications for ‘Rise & Shine’ Emerging Artist Grants

Gulfport, FL – The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is currently accepting applications for two Rise & Shine Emerging Artist Grants, awarded annually to emerging artists in Pinellas County. Two grants valued at $1,000, including $500 in financial awards, will be awarded to this year’s recipients. Grants also include funding, marketing and advertising support and exhibition space in Gulfport’s quickly growing creative events.

To view the full application with complete details, please visit visitgulfportflorida.com/grants. The deadline for submission is August 10.

‘Rise & Shine grants are designed to elevate the careers of emerging artists in our community,” said Brenda McMahon, Chair of the Arts Committee of the GMC and owner of Brenda McMahon Gallery. “Recipients benefit both creatively and professionally through the program, with grants offering emerging artists not only financial assistance but also a path forward and help answering the difficult business related questions that come up for artists.”

“Recent winners of the award continue to achieve notable artistic success throughout the region and we’re proud to invest in our local arts community with these grants. On a personal level, our Gallery is proud to host last year’s winner, Shara Bunis, as our Artist of the Month in August,” added McMahon.

Previous winners of the award include notable regional artists Paula Roy, Zachary Knight, Janet Folsom and Kiersty Long, among others.

(Image: ‘Gulf Fritillary by last year’s Rise & Shine award winner Shara Bunis)