I’m planning to apply for our state Art Council’s annual support
grant. Has anyone ever applied for one of these? I was thinking of
making some new pieces – real show pieces just for the application.
Does anyone have any ideas for the kind of work that wins these
things – or is it just a fluke and not the kind of thing you can
prepare for or figure out? And, I would ask if people think it’s
worth having a pro photographer (one of the expensive ones) do the
slides, but I suspect the answer would be yes.
Elaine
Northern Illinois, USA
Great Lakes Region
I have been applying for the past 15 years ,haven’t been very lucky,I
would always make second cut or the finals…but never a grant,I would
assume I have spent a considerable amount on photography,pro photo is
advised ,that’s all they have to go by ,when jurying. it certainly is a crap shoot…
ELuther: I just spent a full day on a grants review panel for our
local arts council here in Houston. Some of what I learned.
-
check out the guidelines for the grant and make sure you proposal
addresses them in a concise and informative manner.
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make sure you show a history of stability and proficiency if you
can within the grant guidelines.
-
make sure your grant is written in a concise and informative
structure.( get a pro to writ your grant if you can find someone with
experience).you can also usually get a copy of other peoples grant if
you write and ask for them (prefferabley the successful ones)
-
Record keeping is also very important to people giving grant and
also recognition of the grant attached to your work as well as thank
you letters to all grantors.
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don’t give up if you don’t get a grant the first time it usually
takes a couple three tries. (remember consistency and percerverance)
hope this helps. Frank Goss