On the last Sunday of every month, hungry bellies and emerging artists gather at the Division Avenue of the Arts Collective to participate in Sunday Soup.

The event, which functions as a monthly meal for some and a mini-grant for others, invites local artists and art enthusiasts to come together to eat a $5 meal and view proposals for medium-sized creative projects. Everyone who purchases a meal gets one vote, and the winner receives all of the profits to fund his or her project.

“This is the point where the economy has been making news for many years and we feel like we are in this compromised position in terms of what is possible financially, and this is just a really nice model where communal eating is paired with an interest in local culture and is paired with direct support in what that enhance the culture of the region,” said Anne Campbell, a Grand Valley State University art professor.

A special Sunday Soup will take place this September, where instead of offering a grant to the winning artist, Calvin College will purchase a piece of artwork for $1,000 to add to the university’s art collection.

“I think it is going to be an exciting opportunity for folks,” Campbell said. “That is a dollar amount that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to get out there. I’m really hoping for a great turnout. In the past it seems like the proposals that get the most votes are the ones that are really about community development in some way and not so much about supporting an artist in their studio, which is also an important priority for us.”

The purchase award will be given in memory of Ben Schaafsma, who passed away in 2008. Schaafsma was a founder of the DAAC and InCUBATE, and organization from Chicago that initiated the Sunday Soup model.

“The circumstances really are pretty tragic but the fact that the way he is being honored by that gift also reflects the way that he lived,” Campbell said.

For those that are interested in receiving a little bit of cash to fund a project, submitted a proposal is easy. All that is required is a proposal that can be submitted online, and a brief talk about the proposal at the actual Sunday Soup event. There is no limit to the amount of times someone can apply.

“Sunday Soup is a great way to get the community involved in supporting local artists,” said Hannah Webb, a GVSU junior who has attended past Sunday Soups. “Art is an important part of our society and this is a mutually beneficial way to support it.”

Jessica Hunter, a third-year GVSU student who is studying art and design with an emphasis in illustration, said the events are a good way for local artists to fund their work.

“I love events that could make me money,” said Hunter. “If it helps get your name out there if there is someone looking for your style for a separate project.”

The majority of students today are struggling for money. With tuition costs and living expenses, students rarely have cash left over to fund their projects, so events like Sunday Soup can have a large impact on a student’s ability to create.

“The National Endowment for the Arts has really had a lot of cuts in the recent decade and the state of Michigan doesn’t give grants to individual artists so our funding sources here are fairly limited,” Campbell said. “So even though the money is modest, it is also acceptable and we hope that people can use that opportunity to be more confident, or pursue other grants that do become available, and build their resume as they do that and then also have the financial support.”

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