In July 2024, watercolour artist Holly was awarded a grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture Fund: Inspire.
This fund was a new initiative to help freelancers and small arts organisations in the Greater Manchester area. It was set up after the Covid pandemic negatively affected many creatives, with several small businesses closing at the time. The GMCA Culture Fund helps support freelancers and creative organisations who can benefit from investment.
Holly is so excited to receive this grant to help her art business Kettle & Quill. She has several uses planned for the award money, including a gorgeous new set of watercolour paints she's been eyeing up for a while.
Besides this, she will use the money to invest in a portfolio review with a top art licensing agent. This will help her polish and refine her portfolio when submitting applications for art licensing deals.
More than anything, however, Holly feels very lucky to have been chosen for this award. In a society where the arts are often taken for granted, it means a great deal to have her work recognised and valued by the Greater Manchester combined authority. This support will really help her pursue her artistic dreams, not least because of the confidence boost it gives her. She can't wait to see where this award may take her, and to benefit Greater Manchester with her message of mental health and bright, happy colours.
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