There are a variety of different ways to get an arts sponsorship, and your two best tools are typically the Internet and local networking. Organizations that provide arts sponsorships include corporations, government entities, and charitable groups. You can use the Internet to locate many of these potential sponsorships, though networking with your local artistic community can also lead to valuable opportunities. If you have a local artistic coalition in your city, they may be able to match you with an arts sponsorship. You may also have luck visiting the websites of various organizations that are known for providing arts sponsorships.
The first step in finding an arts sponsorship can be to network with local artists in your community. If a local arts coalition exists, that can be a good starting point. Other local artists can often share their experience with sponsorships, grants, and other funding opportunities. They may also be able to provide you with useful tips on writing grant proposals or give you other useful information that comes with experience. If you are an art student, you may also look for similar groups on your campus.
Much of the necessary research for finding an arts sponsorship can also be done using the Internet. Most organizations that offer arts sponsorships maintain websites that include all the necessary application information. Corporate sponsors of the arts often include relevant information somewhere on their websites, as the main benefit they receive is positive publicity. Charitable organizations, which are typically nonprofit corporations, often offer sponsorships as well. Some charitable organizations also exist specifically to help artists find sponsorships elsewhere.
Government arts sponsorships may be found on both the national and local levels. If your country has a national program, that may be a good place to start. In the United States, the National Endowment for the Arts typically provides large amounts of money each year, even in economically difficult times. A variety of different types of art are usually sponsored, and specific programs may be offered as well.
At the local level, it is fairly common for municipalities to provide sponsorships. This type of arts sponsorship is typically aimed at improving or preserving the local culture, so you can investigate whether your local or regional government has these programs. There may be sponsorships or grants available, or the municipality might offer fellowships or other valuable opportunities.
It is sometimes also possible to receive an arts sponsorship from a philanthropic individual. The Internet has made this process easier than ever, and a variety of websites have been dedicated to such efforts. When searching for this type of sponsorship, it may be a good idea to carefully investigate any site you use to ensure that you do not get caught up in any sort of scam or other misleading activity.