Empowered Artist Award

2026 Deadline: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, at 11:59 PM

The Empowered Artist Award is an annual fund that provides three unrestricted awards of $3,000 each to three artists. One of the most critical needs for artists is access to unrestricted funds, allowing them to continue their practice, advance their careers, and increase their visibility within their community. These funds will enable artists to create new work, purchase necessary equipment, access educational opportunities, and pay for living expenses.

History

The Empowered Artist Award was established in 2022 by Linda Marston-Reid, former Executive Director of Arts Mid-Hudson, who used her retirement after ten years of service to the arts community to create a fund that provides unrestricted support for local artists.

In 2025, the Ruth and Harold Chenven Foundation transferred its assets to Arts Mid-Hudson in support of the Empowered Artist Award. The mission of the Chenven Foundation is to support the work of artists living and working in the United States and to foster a greater public appreciation for the arts. Over the past 40 years, the Chenven Foundation has awarded unrestricted grants to 231 individual artists. Many of the Chenven Foundation’s grantees have gone on to receive increased public recognition and appreciation.

The Chenven Foundation follows on the lifelong commitment to the arts by both Ruth and Harold. As a silversmith and jewelry designer, Ruth was acutely aware of the challenges artists face. Her vision, to provide support to individual artists and craftspersons, was realized by her husband, Harold, following her death. The commitment to Ruth Chenven’s vision, as realized by Harold Chenven, is inspiring and an example of what happens when artists are trusted and supported. At Arts Mid-Hudson, we believe it is imperative to trust and support working artists at any stage in their career, and we are delighted to carry forth the Chenven Foundation’s legacy with the Empowered Artist Award.

Empowered Artist Award Guidelines

Empowered Artist Award Application

Information Session

An information session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, August 18th at 3:00 PM. The session will be recorded and made available on Arts Mid-Hudson’s website.  Five Q&A sessions will be held via Zoom to answer applicant questions.

Click here to RSVP for the Info Session

Q&A Sessions

Q&A sessions provide an informal setting to ask your questions regarding this program and hear other applicants’ questions.

Q&A Schedule:

Monday, August 24th at 12:00 PM

Friday, August 28th at 3:00 PM

Thursday, September 3rd at 10:30 AM

Wednesday, September 10th at 4:00 PM

Monday, September 14th at 11:00 AM

Click here to RSVP for the Q&A Sessions

Free One-on-One Application Assistance

Arts Mid-Hudson provides free in-depth support through information sessions, Q&A sessions, and individual appointments. Applicants are encouraged to make appointments with the AMH Grants team to discuss specific questions, brainstorm ideas, and receive feedback on a draft. Appointments will be conducted by phone.

Click here to book an appointment with a member of the AMH Grants Team.

General questions contact: Grants@artsmidhudson.org or call (845) 454-3222 ex 11