Creative Funding Slashed Worldwide: How Do We Fight Back?
Protesting will only do so much realistically, and most of us live in the reality where we need to pay our bills now.



We all know and are upset about government funding being cut for arts and culture, but what can we do about it? Protesting will only do so much realistically, and most of us live in the reality where we need to pay our bills now.
Welcome CounterCult (see more about us here)- our newsletter is a “skip to what you want” type of newsletter so here you go!
THE MORE WE GROW, THE BETTER OPPORTUNITIES WE GET ACCESS TO AS A COMMUNITY. SO PLEASE SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER, IT REALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
Creative Funding Slashed Worldwide: How Do We Fight Back?
With global arts funding in decline, creatives need new ways to sustain their work—and communities can step up to help. Here’s how:
- Tap into Government Support: Seek out local grants and cultural programs that prioritize artistic projects.
- Partner with Private Sponsors: Collaborate with businesses that align with creative and cultural initiatives.
- Leverage Community Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon connect creatives with supporters who value their work.
- Visit CounterCult Marketplace: Our newly launched *free* platform is a space where creatives sell goods and services directly to their communities. Sign up to post your work, hire local talent, and discover incredible creatives already thriving here.
- Support Local Creatives: Attend events, buy local art, hire creatives for projects, and help promote their work within your network.
Together, with efforts like CounterCult Marketplace and community support, we can build a thriving, resilient creative economy.
UPDATES
- Join CounterCult Marketplace:
Creatives, sign up today to sell your goods and services on our *free* platform. [Visit here]to get started.
We just launched and are on the way to find investors, brand sponsors, etc so we can get all the pieces together so it actually becomes something that helps everyone, so if you have a connection- let us know!
- Free Creative Coaching:
Get business advice from former Patreon and Museum of Modern Art employees. Subscribe now to get the registration link when we drop it!
Let’s build a thriving creative economy together!
CREATIVE FEATURE
- New Collaboration with @pulse.Berlin:
We’re excited to partner with Pulse.Berlin, a creative media account documenting and interviewing local creative culture. We plan to help curate the creatives they feature so again, make sure to join us by subscribing to our channels! It’s all free.
- A Global Vision:
This is just the beginning! We hope to expand this collaboration to other areas of the world and bring more local creative stories to the forefront.



Check out their work on Instagram [here]
OPPORTUNITIES
💡🎨 $60K+ Funded MoMA Fellowship Open Call
- Fully funded for artists, curators, and scholars.
- Access to MoMA’s collections and resources.
- Open to international applicants. HERE
🌍🎨 Monetize as a Photographer with Stock Photos
- Join Stocksy, a platform for high-quality, authentic stock photography.
- Showcase and license your work to businesses and individuals worldwide.
- Fair compensation and a global marketplace for creatives. HERE
🎭✨ Fully Funded DAAD Art Residency Open Call in Berlin
- Fully funded residency for international artists.
- Includes studio space, funding, and a global creative network.
- Open to all art disciplines. HERE
💉🎨 $5K Rauschenberg Medical Grants for Artists
- One-time grants up to $5,000 for artists facing medical, dental, or mental health emergencies.
- Open to visual artists, film/video/electronic/digital artists, and choreographers.
- For artists with public exposure and independent work. HERE
🌍🎨 CounterCult Creatives Platform: Free Global Marketplace
- Connect with businesses and individuals for collaboration.
- Open to all creatives—artists, designers, and more.
- Showcase your work, post listings, and network with a growing creative community. HERE
🌍🎭 Culture Moves Europe: Fully Funded Mobility Grants for Spain
- Mobility grants for artists and cultural professionals traveling to Spain and other Creative Europe countries.
- Supports sectors like music, literature, visual arts, performing arts, and more.
- Covers travel costs and daily expenses during the project. HERE
🎭🇮🇪 IN PARIS Centre Culturel Irlandais Artist Residency Open Call
- Fully funded residency for Irish artists in Paris.
- Includes €800 monthly stipend, accommodation, and up to €300 travel reimbursement.
- Open to artists in various creative fields, with a chance to contribute to the cultural program. HERE
EVENTS
🏃♀️🎨 Skinnovation 2025: Where Business, Creation, Sport & Holiday Meet
- A unique event blending business, creativity, sports, and relaxation.
- Perfect for creatives looking to expand their network and skills while enjoying a holiday experience.
- Get 50% off tickets with code **ShonaN** at checkout. HERE
🌍🎉 CounterCult Pop-Ups: Have us in person anywhere, worldwide!
- Host pop-up events anytime, anywhere and represent CounterCult.
- Get free merch, exclusive coaching, and first access to discounts.
- Check out our highlights to see our pop-ups in Slovenia and Belgium—next stop: Spain and Vietnam!
HOW TO CONTACT US:
To be honest, the best way at the moment is INSTAGRAM or LINKEDIN since our emails are quite full at the moment.
Your Events/Opportunities
Have an event or opportunity you'd like to share in our next newsletter?
Message us with the button below:
Thank you for your time and continued support. Your engagement means the world to us. Let us know what you think of our newsletter in the comments. :)
Well, that’s all for the next two weeks! If you want more opportunities and updates, more often, make sure to check out our stories and posts on INSTAGRAM, since we only feature our most curated picks in this newsletter.
Stay creative!
-Sho