Author Lauren Wolk is a 2026 graduate of the Arts Foundation’s Capacity-Building Program.
October 8, 2026 (Cape Cod, MA) – In 2023, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod launched its Capacity-Building Program, an initiative aimed at giving artists access to the education, resources, skills, and connections to strengthen the financial side of their creative practice. In January, the program will celebrate its fifth anniversary with up to 15 artists selected to spend five months learning practical strategies to grow their business.
Applications for the program are currently open and available by clicking the button below.
The program is open to emerging and established artists on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 6 at 11:59 PM.
“Through this program, we’re proud to have given 57 artists a toolkit through which they can build a plan that has allowed them to take meaningful steps forward in their careers,” said Arts Foundation Executive Director Julie Wake. “As we prepare to welcome our fifth cohort in January, we look forward to continuing this work so more local creatives are able to build the resilience necessary to overcome the challenges they are facing and identify opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
The Arts Foundation will hold an info session on Friday, October 30th, 10-11 AM, for anyone interested in learning more about the program. Click this link to register.
Managed by Arts Foundation Creative Exchange Program Manager Amy Neill, the Capacity-Building Program offers selected artists one-on-one and small group coaching; priority access to professional development workshops; support in creating a business plan; cohort meetups; and a $1,000 stipend at the end of program completion.
New this year, the Arts Foundation’s 2023 Artist of the Year Mark Adams of Truro, a visual artist, naturalist, writer, and educator, and its 2024 Artist of the Year Julia Cumes of Brewster, a photographer, will support the cohort as mentors.
The group will participate in several workshops, including Effectively Balancing Business and Art taught by Queen Allotey-Pappoe, founder and creative director of Queen Adeline, a fashion brand based out of Lowell; Taxes for Artists and Creative Freelancers by Sunlight Tax’s Hannah Cole of Asheville, North Carolina; Writing About Your Work and Speaking About Your Work by Art Biz Success President and CEO Alyson Stanfield of Golden, Colorado; Branding for Creative Businesses by Somerville-based illustrator and printmaker Sarah Dudek; Arts Advocacy 101 by MASSCreative Executive Director Emily Ruddock; Writing a Press Release with Arts Foundation Director of Grants & Communications Chris Kazarian; Essentials of Digital Marketing with Francesca Olsen of Pittsfield; and Grant Writing 101 with the Arts Foundation’s Julie Wake and Chris Kazarian.
In May, the program will conclude with a graduation where participants will have an opportunity to exhibit their work.
Past participants in the program have increased sales of their artwork; launched websites and online stores; sold their work at local and regional arts markets; built studio space to hone their craft; invested in technology to further their careers; booked teaching and performing gigs; and received grants to support their art. These represent a sampling of the tangible results that have occurred from the program.
The Arts Foundation’s Capacity-Building Program is made possible through the generous support of William Raveis Real Estate, Donald C. McGraw Foundation, South Shore Playhouse Associates/Cape Cod Melody Tent, Cape Cod Foundation, Cape Cod 5, Cape & Coast Bank, John K. and Thirza F. Davenport Foundation, Eastern Bank Foundation, Woods Hole Foundation, BankFive, the Arts Foundation’s Patron Program, and the Arts Foundation’s Gala supporters.
Businesses interested in sponsoring the Creative Exchange should contact Amy Tuttle at atuttle@artsfoundation.org.