Karen Helmerson, Senior Program Officer (212) 741-3003
Christine Leahy, Program Officer (212) 741-7016

Visual Arts offers support to a wide range of contemporary art activity for the benefit of the public and the advancement of the field. Visual Arts considers living artists to be of primary importance to the visual arts field and directs the majority of its funding to organizations that present visual artists who reside in New York State. Supported activities may include exhibitions, installations, workspace facilities, residencies, publications and critical writing.

The goals of Visual Arts are to:

Assist New York State artists in their efforts to create, present and exhibit new work.

Interpret the work of contemporary visual artists to the public.

Encourage dialogue and critical commentary about the visual arts.

Individual visual artists are not directly funded through this discipline area. Information on artist fellowships is available at the New York Foundation for the Arts.

Applicant organizations are encouraged to seek out high-quality contemporary work that expands traditional parameters and reflects the diverse ethnic and cultural profile of the state. Projects that take risks or emphasize process over product are encouraged.

First-time applicants are strongly advised to consult with Visual Arts staff well in advance of the registration deadline.

Prerequisites

Direct payment of fees to artists is required for all activities that include artists.

New York State based artists must be included in the ongoing programming.

Organizations cannot require or request artists to pay a fee for participation in projects funded by Visual Arts.

Employ at least one paid staff member.

Commissions on sales of art in projects funded by NYSCA cannot exceed 25% of the sale price.

Projects and exhibitions featuring membership, board members, staff, faculty, or enrolled students are not eligible.

Events such as festivals and open studios are not supported.

Evaluative Criteria

Grant requests are evaluated in accordance with agency-wide criteria.

Artistic Evaluation

NYSCA 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 staff of public programs or events well in advance of the event date. This is required so that staff, advisory panelists, or auditors may attend and evaluate the events. Email notification is welcome at vap@nysca.org.