There is one more reason that I think artists should not apply for grants or loans. Art has a value. The more it is admired by people, the more is its value. The moment a grant is received, the mind of the artist will immediately change. I always felt that grants are not the answer to achieve a goal.
Grants are a little bit like prostitution to call it mildly.
It bothers me when arts councils push as their justification for existence to be the vehicle to find grants or distribute grants, rather than being the drivers and promoters for the need of the arts as the soul and conscience of society. I worked for 45 years but kept my freedom to be an artist. I agree with you let us not become a bunch of artistic cripples. If you include your email address right after your name at the end of the letter, we will include it. If you want to write incognito we will honor that too.