Since its inception, TAP/LA has completed a number of pilot projects exploring the question of how to support emerging artists in Los Angeles. TAP/LA Artist Fellowships, conceived by Heather Darcy Bhandari and Karen Atkinson, was a series of educational gatherings for emerging artists to develop the business aspects of their practice, culminating in a group show at Tappan Gallery. Artist Fellows included Meghan Gordon, Wakana Kimura, Tyler Matthew Oyer, and Aydinaneth Ortiz. Concurrently, a second initiative provided grants to The Industry/LA, SPart, and other local arts organizations to support artists producing site-specific work for the community.

Our artist grants program began in recognition of the vital need for individual artist support, specifically in providing unrestricted funding for artists in under-served communities.

We are forever grateful to our curatorial committee, Jamillah James, Rebecca McGrew, John Spiak, Irene Tsatsos, and Corrina Peipon, for selecting five women artists to receive our first round of unrestricted grants:  Emily Mast, Candice Lin, Christina Fernandez, Gail Swanlund, and Sarah Williams and Kate Johnston of Feminist Center for Creative Work.

Special thanks to our advisory board: Cynthia Barthold, Clare Kunny, Melissa Levin, Chelsea Neman, and Alex Shabtai.