Karen Helmerson, Director (212) 741-3003

The Electronic Media and Film Program is dedicated to furthering artistic growth and public engagement in the media arts. The Program supports a variety of activities that enable diverse constituents in the development, exhibition and appreciation of film, electronic media and sound as an art form.

To ensure diversity within the media arts, the Program welcomes and supports a range of non-profit organizations including youth media, technology centers, independent cinemas, museums, galleries and broadcasters as well as Internet-based dissemination.  The Program has a long-standing commitment to creative exploration and exhibition in all aspects of the media arts, including film and media appreciation, professional development, technology and new modes of exhibition, distribution, and interdisciplinary work.

Priorities of the Program

EMF funding priorities strive to ensure support for exhibition and public access to artists’ work in old and new technologies of high artistic quality and high aesthetic standards as a moving image and sound art form.  In addition, the following Program priorities apply:

In FY11, the Electronic Media and Film Program is accepting one request for support per organization.  New applicants are welcome to apply in the Exhibition or Workspace categories.  Production funding for independent film and media artists is available through the Individual Artist Program. All applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with Program staff well in advance of the January 22 registration deadline.

Interdisciplinary Projects

The Program offers support for interdisciplinary media art work to enable the creative potential of digital technology.  Interdisciplinary work will be considered for support when there is strong evidence of technology as an art form and as a distinct component.  The core tools and process must be electronic as an aesthetic, formal and conceptual element of the work.  Projects will not be considered for support when the use of technology is in the service of another discipline or objective.  

Evaluative Criteria

Grant requests in this Program are evaluated in accordance with the relevant agency-wide criteria.

Artistic Evaluation

The Council must be able to evaluate an applicant's artistic quality on an ongoing basis. It is the responsibility of all current and prospective applicants to inform the Program of screenings or workshops at least four weeks in advance of the event date. This is required so that staff, advisory panelists, or program auditors may attend and evaluate the events.