Milagro Artist Fund

The Milagro Artist Fund, established by the Board of Directors of Milagro Theatre in February 2022, continues into its fifth year as a dedicated initiative to uplift the Latine arts community in Oregon and Southwest Washington. As a long-standing cultural institution based in Portland, Oregon, Milagro Theatre is renowned for its commitment to promoting Latino theater, arts education, and community events. This fund demonstrates the organization's focused investment in supporting regional artists engaged in creative disciplines that directly benefit the Latine cultural and artistic landscape. This grant opportunity is designed to provide project-based financial support ranging from $500 to $2,000 to individual artists or artist collectives residing in Oregon and the counties of Clark, Skamania, and Cowlitz in Southwest Washington. Eligible disciplines span a broad range, including but not limited to performing arts (dance, music, theater), visual arts, poetry, filmmaking, and interdisciplinary projects. However, applicants are reminded that cultural festivals lacking a clear arts focus are ineligible. The funded projects must be implemented between June 2026 and June 2027, ensuring that activities are timely and aligned with the fund’s goals. The application process for the 2026 cycle opens on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and closes at 11:59 PM PDT on Friday, April 3, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an optional informational Zoom session scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM to gain clarity on the process and expectations. A mandatory element for returning recipients is the submission of the 2025–2026 project evaluation before reapplying. All applicants must submit the completed Google Form application and upload a detailed proposed budget in PDF format using the designated "Budget Expense Spreadsheet Milagro Artist Fund 2026." Following the submission deadline, award notifications will be distributed by May 12, 2026. Grantees are required to submit a brief project update or report within 60 days of the project's completion via an online reporting link. These timelines ensure accountability and tracking of outcomes, emphasizing the fund's commitment to transparency and impact measurement. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed in the announcement; however, the structure and goals of the fund suggest that alignment with the Latine arts community, project clarity, and artistic merit are likely to be key considerations. Past recipients from 2022 to 2025 indicate a diverse and inclusive portfolio, highlighting the fund’s broad support across artistic forms and community engagement models. Applicants with questions are directed to contact Maya Malan-Gonzalez, the Milagro Grant Coordinator, at [email protected]. All submission materials and the informational handout are accessible from Milagro’s official website starting March 5. This well-structured, community-centered grant continues to serve as a vital support mechanism for emerging and established artists working at the intersection of creativity and Latine identity.