UMOCA Unveils Assemblage Art Fund to Support Local Artists in Salt Lake County

UMOCA Launches Assemblage Art Fund

The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) has officially introduced the Assemblage Art Fund, a new grant initiative that aims to empower artists and collectives operating within Salt Lake County. This initiative, developed in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, is designed to enhance the region's visual arts landscape through creative experimentation and improved access for artists and the community alike.

The Assemblage Art Fund will provide a total of 6–12 grants, each ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, during its inaugural year. These grants are intended to support innovative projects that embody collaboration, alternative expression, and public accessibility. Laura Allred Hurtado, the Executive Director of UMOCA, emphasized the fund's mission: "Assemblage is about investing directly in the artists who are shaping our cultural landscape. This fund provides the resources and encouragement artists need to experiment, build community, and present work in ways that might otherwise be overlooked."

One of the primary goals of the Assemblage Art Fund is to prioritize projects that challenge conventional formats and that engage with new or underrepresented audiences. It will support a variety of creative endeavors, including pop-up exhibitions, artist-led publications, experimental performances, and site-responsive installations. However, all projects must be newly conceived, rooted firmly in visual arts practice, and completed within a 12-month timeline.

Khadija Nia Adell, the Regional Regranting Program Officer at the Andy Warhol Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are excited to welcome the Assemblage Art Fund to the network of partners for the Warhol Foundation's Regional Regranting Program. The fund will bolster artists across Salt Lake County by supporting innovative and experimental visual arts projects and encouraging the development of new ideas that engage with the community and foster collaboration."

With the Assemblage Art Fund, UMOCA aims to strengthen the independent visual arts ecosystem in Salt Lake County, facilitating artistic exploration and collective engagement. By targeting projects that extend beyond traditional artistic confines, this initiative is poised to enhance the visibility and impact of local artists within the community.

The launch of this fund is a significant step forward for UMOCA as it seeks to deepen and diversify artistic expression in the region. The support provided by the Assemblage Art Fund is expected to encourage bold artistic risks and foster new partnerships that can lead to enriching and transformative art experiences in Salt Lake County.

As the fund unfolds its first cycle, there is great anticipation regarding the bold, creative projects it will inspire among the local artist community, and how these projects will contribute to the ongoing cultural dialogue in the area. UMOCA looks forward to witnessing the fresh perspectives that emerge from this unprecedented opportunity, nurturing a dynamic and interconnected arts landscape in Salt Lake City.