Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Artworks Big Rapids Area Arts and Humanities
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Artworks
Mailing Address: 106 N Michigan Ave
City: Big Rapids
State: MI
Postal Code: 49307
Main Phone: 231-796-2420
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.artworksinbigrapids.org
Employer ID Number: 38-2207297
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 03/26/2025
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Artist-in-Residence Program and Scholarship Expansion
Project Description:

Artworks is an arts and humanities organization focused on vitalizing the community of Big Rapids, MI. One of our programs is an artist-in-residence that annually supports an artist enrolled in an accredited college. This program provides space, support, and resources over 8-10 weeks culminating in a curated art exhibition of the artist’s work. With support from the Hermanowski Family Foundation, we will accelerate our refinement and expansion of this program, increasing our ability to serve your mission of improving and transforming the lives of children and young adults. Big Rapids is a rural and comparatively poor region of Michigan, reducing the opportunities for young people to meaningfully engage with the art and culture industry. Our expanded program will help elevate this industry for more young people in our area. Additionally, our artist-in-residence program cultivates general leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. We will connect our expanded program to our annual Art Attack exhibition, a 35-year collaboration with local school districts that exhibits the work of K-12 students. A jury will access middle schooler submissions to the exhibition and select children for an invited art camp focused on improving their art skills and transforming their relationship to the arts. A high school senior or exceptional junior will benefit from our expansion via an application-based opportunity to assist the Artworks artist-in-residence and receive mentorship on college applications and portfolio creation. This student will also receive a college scholarship. Finally, our current artist-in-residence program will be enhanced by an increased stipend and supply budget reflecting our rising expectations. In addition to creating, the artists-in-residence will get opportunities to improve their interpersonal and communication skills through participation in Artworks events and programs. In whole, our expanded program gives young people great experiences and tools to help them succeed and achieve their full potential.

Total Project Budget: $10,180

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Private donor base with youth education interest (committed).

Project Duration: March 2026-August 2026
Geographical Area Served: Western Michigan
Age Group To Be Served: 11-21

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Paul
Contact Last Name: Zube
Contact Title: Development Coordinator
Contact Phone: 231-796-2420
Contact Email: paul@artworksinbigrapids.org