Foundation News

The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation opened applications for the Spark Award for Oregon Artists today. The Award will grant $25,000 each to 20 literary and media artists in 2025. Detailed information about who is eligible to apply, the application process and available resources can be found at www.millerfound.org/spark and if you are, or know, an artist who is ready to apply now, the application is live here. The Spark Award is currently a three-year pilot program that provides direct support to midcareer working artists. Through this program, the Foundation is awarding grants of $25,000 each to 60 individual artists in total (20 grants per year) across artistic disciplines. We begin accepting applications today, and artists can apply until 5pm PDT on July 2nd.

In 2024, the Spark Award was granted to 20 performing artists, and you can read more about them here. In 2026, the Award will be granted to visual artists. The Miller Foundation provides application support for literary and media artists with:

• general tips and resources
• help selecting disciplines and sub-disciplines
• suggestions for crafting a bio and artist statement
• an overview of how to prepare an artist resume
• guidance on selecting work samples

In addition, Foundation staff will host an Open Support Session on June 25 at 4pm PDT; please register here. A recorded information session for any prospective applicants who cannot join at that time is available now on-demand here. Foundation staff will also offer 1:1 Spark Support via 15-minute meetings by phone or Zoom, to provide individualized application support. Advance sign-up is requested here.

Get in touch with us at artists@millerfound.org with any questions about the application process!