If you’re wondering why a file sharing company is searching the nation for underappreciated creative hubs, WeTransfer’s Annie Malarkey said, “WeTransfer has always prioritized sharing unexpected stories about the lives of creatives and championing creativity as a force for good. The Emerging Creative Hubs Index not only gives lesser-known creative cities the opportunity to be recognized for the hubs of creative life that they are, but it also offers a roadmap for creatives looking to live and work among their peers.”

WeTransfer is serious about their commitment to helping people improve their communities, and has created the Emerging Creative Hubs Grant Program. The grants are available to nonprofits headquartered in cities like Norfolk who made the list, and applications are being accepted now. The requirements from the site:

• You’ve been in operation for more than one year from the application deadline
• You can identify a specific event, activity, or project that you will use the funds for within the next 18 months
• Your nonprofit’s mission relates to furthering the arts, culture, or creativity
• You can demonstrate how your nonprofit supports underrepresented groups in the creative industries
• Your nonprofit has at least one full-time employee
• The deadline for applications is June 7 at midnight.

You can see the terms and conditions here.

The top Emerging Creative Hub in the country according to WeTransfer was Atlanta, GA, followed by Madison, WI.