ARTS WRITING & CREATIVE COACHING
aka consulting
The Big Picture
I work at the intersection of creative vision and institutional support — helping foundations, donors, and arts organizations design programs that direct meaningful resources to artists, while also working directly with artists and filmmakers to develop their projects and secure the funding and opportunities they need to thrive. Artistic careers are built within ecosystems of support and institutional opportunities provide the scaffolding for artists to experiment and improve upon their craft.
For artists, that means more than grant writing. My role is to help artists put themselves out there in order to grow their practice. I support creatives at every stage of their journey — writers, filmmakers, and multidisciplinary artists alike — from the first spark of an idea through to a fully realized work. Blending storytelling, strategy, and creative vision, I'll help you clarify your vision, craft a compelling narrative around your talent and your project, and amplify your unique point of view. Whether you're developing a short film, navigating a complex application, or figuring out what your project actually is, I'm in it with you.
For foundations, donors, and arts organizations, I bring that same depth of creative and institutional knowledge to program design, grantmaking strategy, and ecosystem building — helping ensure that resources reach the artists who need them most.
I bring experience from both sides of the table: over fifteen years as a working artist and a decade as an arts administrator, with a track record of securing grants and fellowships and designing programs that support independent artists. I understand what artists need, what institutions are looking for, and how to build the infrastructure that connects them.
Offerings
- Grant Writing & Strategy — Full application support for artists and organizations alike, including writing, editing, budgets, timelines, and recommendation letters, plus forecasting and management to keep opportunities from slipping through the cracks
- Program Design & Grantmaking Consultation — Designing equitable, mission-aligned artist support programs, fellowship structures, open calls, and residency models for foundations, donors, and arts organizations
- Artist Vetting & Research — Identifying and assessing artists or projects for investment, fellowship, commission, or residency opportunities
- Impact Narrative & Communications — Crafting materials that articulate the value and reach of your grantmaking or giving philosophy to boards, stakeholders, and the public
- Strategic Philanthropic Advising — Mapping the arts funding landscape, identifying co-funding opportunities, and advising on where and how to direct resources for maximum impact
- Artist Statements & Treatment Writing — Crafting dynamic, visually compelling materials that reflect your personal connection to the work, clarify your intentions, and capture the heart of your vision — sparking genuine curiosity and leaving a lasting impression.
- Creative Development Coaching — One-on-one guidance for artists — from early ideation through a fully realized project. Providing tailored feedback and strategic guidance to help refine projects, working with artists to articulate the creative vision, strengthen the storytelling, and confidently navigate the path to getting projects made.
- Script Coverage & Development Notes — In-depth feedback on character, structure, and theme, drawing from experience as a reader for production and finance companies
- Research Assistance — Deep research support for grant applications, program design, story world-building, and ensuring authenticity in creative projects
- Project Management — End-to-end support for creative projects and artist programs, including disaster and emergency relief coordination for artists in crisis
Rates
$80–$150/hour, with a sliding scale available for individual artists and small organizations.
Rates are determined by scope, volume of writing versus editing, and level of service.
Working Together
I offer a free 30-minute introductory call to learn about your work and goals. From there, I'll create a project proposal based on your timeline and scope. We'll kick things off with a deep-dive session, followed by targeted creative homework to start refining your materials and pushing your project forward.
My Story
Art has always been my compass. I grew up dancing, drawing, drumming, directing music videos, and capturing stories on my dad’s mini DV camera. Storytelling has always been how I make sense of the world. I believe that creativity is an invocation, and that artists serve as conduits between the material and intangible realms to show us what is possible. Art brings beauty, deeper meaning, and transformation into our lives and society at large.
With over fifteen years as a working artist in film, TV, and theater, and a decade as an arts administrator at a multidisciplinary arts space, I've lived on both sides of the funding relationship. I've written the grants and I've designed the programs. I've navigated the application process as an artist and evaluated it as an administrator. That dual perspective is what I bring to every engagement. I know firsthand the fortitude it takes to bring a creative project to fruition and the uphill battle of securing the means to do so.
I've secured grants, fellowships, and residencies from coast to coast — for my own work and for others. I've helped artists articulate their vision and helped institutions articulate their values. My goal is to work across the full ecosystem so that resources flow to where they're needed most, and so that the artists who need support can find it. My background in storytelling, project management, and production gives me a sharp editorial eye and a deep understanding of what it takes to develop, fund, and bring creative projects to life.
My North Star is cultivating spaces that uplift artists. I am committed to weaving strong, sustainable creative communities and hope to one day build a multidisciplinary artist residency among the mesas of New Mexico or along the hills of Ojai. (Speaking it into existence!)
Testimonials
“Marina was amazing to work with. It was hard for me to communicate my jumbled thoughts, and she was able to adequately convey my experience with clarity. She was so compassionate, and super organized. I felt seen and well taken care of. I am so grateful for Marina. I believe she is the reason we were awarded our grant!” ~ Hannah P.
“Marina assisted me with my grant application while I was recovering from the traumatic event. She spoke to the grant administrators, broke down the submission process, and then completed the grant on my behalf. I was awarded the full amount and would not have had the capacity to submit without Marina’s support. She made it easy for me and held my hand when I needed it the most.” ~ Julia G.
"Marina’s help was instrumental in making my project a reality. As a first time director, there was a lot of unfamiliar territory for me to navigate. Having Marina’s guidance through that process was invaluable. She helped clarify and strengthen my vision, giving me more confidence to take on a big creative endeavor. She tailors her guidance to the needs of the artist & project in front of her. She has a sincere desire for her clients to succeed in their creative goals. I could feel it. I’m so grateful I found Marina when I did.” - Andrew W.
“There is no way in hell I would have ever been able to not only raise the funds for my first ever performance art piece but to also present it to a full audience two sold out nights in a row! Marina held my hand in a firm but loving way for the entire project from start to finish. She was professional, personable, and warm. Her expertise is versatile and well worth the investment. I'd work with her again in a heartbeat. I suggest her to all my friends.” - Arrowyn A.