Checking in with Ziggy Smith (’24)

The Mass Cultural Council has awarded Montserrat alum Ziggy Smith (’24) a $5,000 grant through their Grants for Creative Individuals program!

Grants for Creative Individuals awards unrestricted grants to “Massachusetts artists, culture bearers, and creative practitioners to equitably advance creative expression throughout our diverse communities” and “provide significant cultural value through [their] programs and services.” Smith’s award is among more than 2,000 other grants the Cultural Council plans to award this fiscal year.

Additionally, Smith is beginning a new artist residency at The Dirt Palace in Providence! They discovered the opportunity through the mentorship of Ari Montford. The MCC grant will help Smith cover the housing and supply costs associated with the residency.

The Dirt Palace offers two residencies. This particular one—Dirt Palace Classic—hosts up to seven artists and includes on-site access to “a library, a large kitchen, a print shop (specializing in screen print and letterpress), a music rehearsal space, a wood shop, an animation/film editing suite, and a workspace for large projects.”

“Members work together to create an environment conducive to challenging thoughts and radical actions in order to cultivate their personal growth as individuals, and to foster the development of strong, thoughtful, independent feminists who use their creative awareness of the world to change it. The Dirt Palace is trans-inclusive, strives to be accountable and to work intersectionally.”

Smith is eagerly anticipating the coming year of creative work:

“I am excited to continue my exploration of personal history and African-American folklore through the use of quilting, filmmaking, sculpture, and obsession. I [also] have the privilege of being in support of Ari Montford, as he’ll be a short walk away from my studio. The Dirt Palace has an emphasis on the importance of community and during my stay, I intend on exploring more ways to engage with the BIPOC communities of Providence and Boston.

“This grant and residency are a testament to the value of the education and support I received at Montserrat.”