KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Arts Alive has awarded mini-grants to 18 artists and arts organizations from across the Monadnock region, providing small but flexible funding to help advance creative projects and expand access to the arts.

The awards, which range from $50 to $250, were selected from applications submitted by individual artists, performers, writers and creative entrepreneurs. Applications closed Nov. 21 and were reviewed in early December by a panel of local arts leaders, according to the nonprofit.

Grant recipients include:

Emma Armstrong
Meridian Azura
Erin Boyle
Sophia Clayton
Ellie Cook-Venezia
Carole Courvellac
Hannah Ellingwood
Sean Flemming
Martha Haas
Derek Hall
Amy Hussey
Jess Hutchins
The Jaffrey Civic Center
Gavin Key
Sean McElhiney,
Fern Sandstedt
Elias Sieswerda
Victoria Young

Arts Alive officials said the selected projects represent a broad range of disciplines and career stages. The funds may be used for expenses such as materials and equipment, studio time, marketing, performances, exhibitions and other practical needs that help artists move their work forward.

The mini-grant program is intentionally flexible, said Arts Alive board member Georgia Cassimatis, allowing artists to apply the money to real-world needs that can otherwise be difficult to cover, including supplies, transportation, workshops and childcare.

Arts Alive board member Jennifer Paone said the program reflects the organization’s belief that investing directly in artists strengthens the cultural life of the region and helps creative work reach a wider audience.

A total of $4,500 was awarded this year. The funding came from the organization’s 2025 NH Gives Day online fundraiser, along with support from the Eppes-Jefferson Foundation.

Grant checks are expected to be distributed in the coming weeks. Recipients have agreed to use the funds for their intended purposes by September 2026 and to document how the support affected their projects.