Arts + Creativity
Amplifying the power and possibilities of the arts
The arts are essential for just, vibrant, and thriving communities. The power of creativity is a force for transformation, creating vitality and amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard.
Arts organizations, artists, creative workers, culture bearers (those who practice, share, and teach cultural traditions and art forms) help us envision and realize a shared future of equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Barr’s Arts + Creativity program seeks to invest in bold ideas and leaders, driving toward a future in which the arts are a living, breathing force, constantly evolving and igniting our collective imagination.
Common Wealth Murals
Powerful art, bold leadership, and vibrant communities
Strategies
Learn about strategies within the Arts + Creativity program.
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Elevating Arts Leadership
Elevating cultural organizations and artists as community leaders and anchors
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Cultivating Spaces of Belonging
Nurturing community by connecting people to creative spaces that welcome all
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Advocating for the Arts
Advancing and constructing innovative cultural models and systems
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Recent Arts + Creativity Grants
Culture and Community Power Fund
To support the next phase of the Culture & Community Power Fund
- Award Date: 06/09/2026
- Amount: $3,000,000
- Term: 36 months
- Program:
- Strategy:
- Fiscal Sponsor: New Venture Fund
United States Artists, Inc.
To support a new pooled fund for unrestricted artists fellowships
- Award Date: 06/09/2026
- Amount: $1,500,000
- Term: 36 months
- Program:
- Strategy:
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency
To support the Creative Cities and TDI Equity programs as part of the Transformative Development Initiative
- Award Date: 06/09/2026
- Amount: $3,900,000
- Term: 36 months
- Program:
- Strategy:
Grantmaking Inquiries
Grants awarded by the Barr Foundation originate in different ways. The majority are initiated by staff based on their ongoing engagement with grantee partners and the broader field. Given the value we place on long-term partnerships, many grants are renewed for current grantees.
Please note that Barr invests in long-term systems change work as outlined in our strategy and — with exceedingly rare exception — does not fund individual artists, individual projects, or programs. For those who feel their work may align with Barr’s priorities, the best approach is to complete this form.
Please allow up to 6 weeks for a response. For additional resources that might support your organization, please check out our Resources for Grant Seekers post.
Arts + Creativity Insights
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Rewriting the Score: How Massachusetts’ Classical Music Scene Is Reinventing Itself
Public Art for Public Impact in Massachusetts