Registration deadline: February 22, 2011
Application deadline: April 1, 2011

NYSCA supports a range of projects that provide in-depth and sustained experiences to learners of all ages for the creation and understanding of art through ongoing arts learning activities in community settings. Participants in these programs may include children, adults, families, and life- long learners in community and/or intergenerational settings. In particular, funding for rural and underserved communities with limited access to arts programming is a priority. Activities may include workshops, classes, and training in the arts. Eligible projects may be offered by arts organizations or community-based organizations with established arts activities, in partnership with artists and arts groups. Support in this category is dedicated toward enriching the knowledge and understanding of the various arts disciplines for the general public; workshops and training programs for professional artists are ineligible for support. Programs that are principally therapeutic in nature also are ineligible.

The Council emphasizes the quality of the arts experience rather than the creation of a finished product such as an exhibit or performance, or the number of participants involved in the activity. Culminating events/exhibitions should reflect good artistic and educational practices.

Prerequisites

All participating artists must be guaranteed a fee, which applicants are expected to indicate in the project budget. In addition, funds may be used for art materials, documentation of the project, transportation of art materials or instruments necessary for the project, and a percentage of the applicant organization's administrative staff time.

This category supports in-depth, sequential learning projects. The category does not fund projects that are one-time workshops, single performances, or one-time visits to cultural institutions.

This category does not support professional training of artists. However, project expenses may include orientation of artists to the project's goals and objectives.

NYSCA funds may not exceed 50% of the total project cost.

Application Instructions

Application Narrative Questions

Artistic/Programmatic

1. Project Description
Describe the proposed project and how it relates to your organization's mission. How many sessions will take place and how long will each session last? Is this a new initiative or an ongoing activity? If it is a new initiative, describe how the project builds on previous activities.

2. Goals/Outcomes
What are the intended goals/outcomes for the proposed project? How will these goals be achieved?

3. Facilities/Venues
Describe the intended venue(s) for the project.

Managerial/Fiscal

4. Project Team
Describe how artist(s) and your organization will partner in the planning and implementation of this project. Describe roles and credentials of the artists, staff, consultants, and/or other individuals involved in the delivery of the project.

5. Finances

Describe plans for meeting the expenses of this project. Note: Please utilize the Budget Notes section of the Project Budget to break out the following information pertaining to the project's Income and Expenses:

Service to the Public

6. Participants
Describe the specific population and projected number of participants served by this project. Summarize the selection process, if one is required, for participation in the project.

7. Marketing
Describe how your organization will reach the target population to be served by this project. How will you promote and publicize this program?

8. Evaluation
How will you determine the impact of this project on the participants?

9. Community Context
What other community groups and cultural organizations in your area are already involved in related community-based learning activities? If applicable, how are you collaborating with other community groups and cultural organizations in addition to those indicated in this application?

Support Materials

10. Support Materials
Please list all of the support materials and/or work samples you are submitting. These materials are critical to your application's assessment. You may provide a list here or use an eScript for Work Samples to provide your list.

Support Material

Support material must be postmarked, hand-delivered or made available online by the deadline. Please direct them to your appropriate contact at: NYSCA, 175 Varick Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10014 or kmasterson@nysca.org

IMPORTANT NOTE: Refer to the Instructions for Work Samples and Support Materials prior to submission.

NYSCA encourages the submission of Web-based Work Samples and Support Material whenever possible.

1. Video documentation of past workshops and samples of past work are recommended.

2. Brief bios, on a single page, of the participating artist(s), principal staff, consultants, and /or other key individuals involved in this project.

3. Two (2) representative samples of brochures or marketing materials relevant to this project or to your organization.

4. We encourage submission of audio or visual materials which provide evidence of the artistic quality of the work of participating artists. These materials should preferably be submitted on CD-ROM or through a URL for a website link. Panel will spend up to three (3) minutes viewing these materials.