Registration deadline: March 3
Application deadlines: April 1, July 1, September 5

This category is designed to offer an opportunity for study aimed toward professional careers in the arts and/or instruction in the traditional art of an ethnic community for members of that community. The goal of this category is to foster professional development in a variety of arts disciplines and techniques, including those with a particular interest in preserving the traditions of specific cultures.

Support is offered in three distinct courses of study of professionally-directed instruction and training in any art discipline. These are, in order of priority: Professional Development, Traditional Arts Study, and Pre-Professional Development.  

Funding in Pre-Professional and Professional Development is limited to organizations serving the disabled community, and those serving the African/Caribbean, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino/Hispanic, and Native American/Indian populations.

Non-degree granting community-based organizations with a history of recruiting and attracting participants served by this Program may apply for scholarships for professional training.

Applicant organizations must state which course of study they are providing. Classes must be ongoing and taught by professionals in community-based venues. Applicant organizations must provide guidance through all levels of artistic development. In all cases, organizations are required to provide documentation of the results of their programs.

The following are ineligible for support:

Single-instructor programs

Programs offered in cooperation with schools, school districts, or BOCES, and offered during school hours

Programs that are essentially recreational, rehabilitational, or therapeutic

One-time workshops or programs of very short duration

Summer camp activities that are not an integral part of year-round instruction and training programs

Professional Development Course of Study

This area of professional arts training encourages career development and is designed to prepare participants for direct entry into the field. Support is available for intensive concentration programs in a special area of study or scholarships for a multi-level, advanced curriculum.

Applications must demonstrate an extended curriculum in a particular arts discipline that includes intermediate and advanced levels of instruction. Evidence of success in placement of students in career settings or otherwise advancing their goals is also required.

Traditional Arts Course of Study

Programs that transmit and perpetuate an art form that is part of a community's particular ethnic heritage are offered support in this area of study. These programs reflect the importance of sustaining the cultural life of a people and ensuring historical memory.

Pre-Professional Development Course of Study

This area of support recognizes the vitality of the arts experiences in many communities that may have limited access to formal arts opportunities. It supports professional instruction in the arts to prepare the participants for more advanced study and with the long-range goal of career entry.

Application Instructions

The on-line application form includes the following questions, and a project budget. Please complete the Workshops/Classes Form for the current and proposed year for this request. Required support materials are listed below.

Application Narrative Questions

1. Program Overview
Describe the nature of instruction in terms of artistic discipline and the expected level of competence upon completion of the course. What are the immediate and long-range goals of this program? Describe marketing and outreach plans. If the course of study is Traditional Arts, specify which tradition is being taught.

2. Student Profile
Provide total enrollment levels, number, and age range of students for the current and proposed years. Include the ethnic composition of the students.   

3. Faculty Profile
Include a brief representative list of instructors, their credentials, and tenure with the program.

4. Tuition and Fees
Describe the tuition fee structure for the current and proposed years. Detail any planned changes.

5. Scholarships
Describe scholarship or tuition assistance program(s) and selection policies. Include the number of scholarships for students of color and other students for the current and the proposed years. State the amount of full and partial scholarships for an average course of study.

6. Finances
Describe plans for meeting current and future expenses of the program.

7. Career Placement (for Professional Development)
What placement assistance do you provide for career entry for your students upon completion of their studies?

Support Materials

Support materials must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the program by the application deadline. If you want support materials returned, you must provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

1. Resumés of instructors and other key personnel, if new

2. 2 copies of class schedules or curriculum brochures

3. Representative list of former students who have entered professional careers