BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Hub of Bakersfield has announced the “Cash for the Arts” grant program that provides funds of $5,000 to the art community in town.

“The mission of The Hub of Bakersfield is to support our local emerging creative class.” says Board Chairman Andrae Gonzales. “We know COVID-19 and social distancing orders have had a catastrophic impact on our artists; many who are self-employed and rely on the entertainment industry, private lessons and events to make a living. With those options gone, there is an immediate need for cash.”

The application for the grant opens today, and the deadline to apply is April 25. The grant will provide 10, $500 grants to local artists and their projects that can help Bakersfield residents cope with social distancing. Applications for “Cash for the Arts” can be found at www.thehubofbakersfield.org.

Grant recipients will be announced by May 1.

To qualify for the grant, the artist must be in Bakersfield and create an experience that is online, downloadable, shareable, or can be enjoyed while following social distancing guidelines.

The program is built to move quickly, with one week for application and a week for approval.

The art project will be released through the month of May, with its release to the public during Memorial Weekend.