THE ARTS CENTER OF THE CAPITAL REGION

THE ARTS CENTER OF THE CAPITAL REGION

ABOUT THE ARTS CENTER Multi-arts center in Downtown Troy Programs and services for 48,000 plus adults and youth each year 36,000 square feet of studio, gallery and performance spaces www.artscenteronline.org

ABOUT DEC ARTS GRANTS PROGRAM DEC (decentralization) Redistribution of funds away from a central location or authority. Enables emerging organizations and artists to grow professionally and to enhance the cultural climate in communities and neighborhoods where they live and operate. Qualified counties: Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady. Funded by The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), Decentralization (DEC) Program, administered by The Arts Center at the invitation of the Council Founded 1977 to ensure NYS cultural funding reaches all 62 counties Funding decisions made by a panel of community members, artists, and arts educators We tailor NYSCA s DEC guidelines to local needs

OUR ROLE IN THE PROCESS Grants are funded by New York State Council on Arts Arts Center of the Capital Region is an approved Decentralization site for distribution of this funding Responsible for community outreach and education on the grants program, process and requirements. Responsible for advancement of local arts within designated area Responsible for increasing the quality and quantity of grant applications The more high-quality applications we receive, the greater need we show for additional grant funding in our area. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS COMMUNITY BY APPLYING!

2016 DEC GRANTS Community Arts Grant Non-profit organizations (can be non-arts orgs) Non-profit fiscal sponsors on behalf of individual artists and/or collectives Individual Artist/ Artist collective initiated project with a non-profit Community Sponsor Up to $5,000 per project Arts in Education Grant Artists or non-profit organizations in partnership with public schools Up to $2,500 per project Individual Artist Commission Individual artists $2,500 total per artist

2016 GRANT RULES -Intent to Apply Deadline: October 23, 2015 -Application Deadline: December 5, 2015 ***Must be submitted by 11:59pm*** Creative work to be completed and all grant funds encumbered between 4/1/16 and 3/31/17 Applicants legal address must be Rensselaer, Schenectady or Albany County (no PO box), projects must take place in the same county of residence If a mailing address is a PO Box, a physical address for the home/studio/office of an artist or organization must also be provided. Up to three direct requests in any combination of Community Arts and/or Arts Education Grant applications. Individual Artist Commissions are EXEMPT. The TOTAL for all requests from one entity may not exceed $5,000 INDIVIDUAL ARTIST COMMISSIONS AND FISCALLY SPONSORED REQUESTS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE THREE REQUEST LIMIT 2015 + 2016 direct NYSCA grant recipients are ineligible!

COMMUNITY ARTS GRANT WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Non-profit community organizations and non-profit fiscally sponsored artists/collectives or artists/collective working in partnership with a community based non-profit organization in county where activity is taking place. Legal address of applicant organization must lie within Albany, Rensselaer or Schenectady Counties, and the funded activity must take place within the same county (artists hired or sponsored by the applicant org do not need to reside in these counties) Who is NOT Eligible? Public or Private schools State Agencies or Departments, including SUNY A community based non-profit partner must not be a Direct NYSCA or DEC program regrants applicant

COMMUNITY ARTS GRANT FISCAL SPONSOR VS COMMUNITY PARTNER Fiscal Sponsor Fiscal sponsor submits application (with assistance from artist or organization) Fiscal sponsor signs contract Fiscal sponsors receives payment, pays artist Fiscal sponsor must meet eligibility requirements (county, non profit status, other) Fiscal sponsor must provides all supplemental documents (budget, board list, other) Community Partner SUPPORTS ARTIST INITIATED ACTIVITIES IN THEIR COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Partner provides something to help out the artist like space Partner provides letter of commitment outlining what they are provide and value of service Artist makes application Artist signs contract Artist receives payment A community based non-profit partner must not be a direct NYSCA or DEC program regrants applicant Current direct NYSCA applicants may not apply for any DEC regrants nor serve as a fiscal sponsor or community partner organization A direct DEC applicant may serve as a fiscal sponsor and may sponsor more than one applicant and the requests do not count towards their limit IF YOUR ACTIVITY TAKES PLACE IN A DIFFERENT COUNTY FROM YOUR ORGANIZATIONS/ARTIST HOME ADDRESS YOU MAY ONLY USE A FISCAL SPONSOR TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Up to $5,000 per project request COMMUNITY ARTS GRANT FUNDING LIMITS Up to three direct requests in any combination of Community Arts and/or Arts Education Grant applications. Individual Artist Commissions are EXEMPT. Does not fund full project budgets -Funded never or once in the past 5 years: 75% cap (15% in kind) -Funded twice or more in the past 5 years: 60% cap (15% in kind) Community Organization must show at least 10-25% cash in-hand or projected income NEW: In-kind resources NOW CAN contribute to 15% of revenue

COMMUNITY ARTS GRANT WHAT DOES THIS GRANT SUPPORT? Collaborations between artists and organizations High artistic merit and uniqueness Community interest and benefit Feasible and well-publicized programs that will be well attended Diversity of artists and audience

COMMUNITY ARTS GRANT WHAT THE GRANT DOES NOT SUPPORT Non-arts related programs, including circus and magic Members-only activities not open to general public Repeat projects that do not have plans for expansion or improvement Recreation, rehabilitation or therapy Organization startup Scholarships, fellowships, cash prizes, juried shows or awards Acquisitions, equipment or capital See Guidelines for full list

ARTS IN EDUCATION GRANT WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Artists/organizations working with public k-12 schools in Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties Legal address of applicant/fiscal sponsor must lie within Albany, Rensselaer or Schenectady Counties, and the funded school must be within the same county (teaching artists hired by an applicant org do not need to reside in these counties) PTA/PTO s with current non-profit status may apply Who is NOT Eligible? Private, parochial or home schools

Up to $2,500 per project request ARTS IN EDUCATION GRANT FUNDING LIMITS Up to three direct requests in any combination of Community Arts and/or Arts Education Grant applications. Individual Artist Commissions are exempt. Does not fund full project budgets Must demonstrate match of 50% of grant request in cash or in-kind Applicant must match requested funds with cash equal to at least 10% of the grant request. The remainder of the match may consist of in-kind resources. Grant Request min. Cash Match (10%) min. In-Kind Match (40%) $2,500 $250 $1,000 $2,000 $200 $800 $1,500 $150 $600 $1000 $100 $400

ARTS IN EDUCATION GRANT WHAT DOES THIS GRANT SUPPORT? Multi-session programs that have a lasting impact Projects that integrate arts and non-arts subjects Inclusive programs Projects that take place during the school day Teaching artists with proven experience

ARTS IN EDUCATION WHAT THIS GRANT DOES NOT SUPPORT Projects that appear to replace services of dedicated arts instructors Stand alone assembly programs, single performances or one-time visits Programs for which selected students are taken out of regular classes, or are self-selected for participation College-level courses, scholarships, contests, or student performing groups Projects without an assessment component See Guidelines for full list

INDIVIDUAL ARTIST COMMISSION WHO IS ELIGIBLE Local individual artists at least 21 years old Legal address of applicant s residence or studio must lie within Albany, Rensselaer or Schenectady Counties, and the funded project must take place in the same county Who is NOT Eligible Students enrolled in a degree program

INDIVIDUAL ARTIST COMMISSION FUNDING LIMITS $2,500 per project request Only one request per artist Funds full project budget, no monetary match or additional income required Is exempt from the funding limits (3 requests, $5000 cap)

INDIVIDUAL ARTIST COMMISSION WHAT DOES THIS GRANT SUPPORT? The creation of new work that is appropriate in relation to the applicant s career Programs with high artistic merit and a strong relationship to the artist s career Strong community outreach and involvement with work that responds to, explores, reflects, or is inspired by an aspect of life in the county or community

INDIVIDUAL ARTIST COMMISSION WHAT DOESN T THIS GRANT SUPPORT? The presentation or completion of existing work Collaborations between artists Programs designed to serve an existing group, in-school activities, or other projects not open to the general public

FUNDING PRIORITIES Free or low cost programs Artists fees and materials/sources to complete project Unique programs with high artistic merit Strong Community Engagement Programs that represent and reach diverse audiences Programs that reflect the ACCR Cultural Plan

BUDGET OVERVIEW Applicants must fill out the budget correctly and completely. The interactive budget is now integrated into the fillable PDF application form for your convenience. You will also be asked to explain your budget in narrative form. Both of these forms help the panel to better understand your project. These forms have been revised with automatic calculators so you are aware when you have a balanced budget, and the right ration of in-kind and earned income/cash in hand are met.

BUDGET REVENUE List cash income and in-kind. Community Arts CAN include in-kind under revenue (15%) Art in Education CAN include in-kind under revenue (40%) Separate section for in-kind contributions Provide short description on how each figure is calculated Do not include Arts Grant request under contributed income Indicate whether income sources are projected or in-hand

BUDGET EXPENSES List every expense associated with the request Be sure to include paid staff peoples time (if applicable) i.e. Teaching Assistant, $10/hour @ 25 hours, $250 The majority of expenses should be artistic related expenses

HOW IS MY APPLICATION REVIEWED? Panel of community members, artists, and arts educators If not funded, you will be provided with helpful feedback for a successful re-application in the next grant cycle. COMPETETIVE PROCESS: Be Neat, Be Concise, Be Specific. Artistic Merit of your Proposal Financial Need Weighed appropriately in relation to applicant s stated goals Repeat projects must Grow or show Expansion over past years. Teaching Artist credentials (Arts in Education Grant) Community Involvement

HOW IS MY FUNDING LEVEL DETERMINED? THE PANEL SELECTION PROCESS INVOLVES NEW COMPONENTS: RUBRICS FUNDING FORMULA Your application will be evaluated by a preliminary and final rubric by the panel. These rubrics directly reflect the guidelines and site specific funding priorities found in the ACCR Cultural Plan. The number evaluation given will be applied to an objective funding formula to determine the amount given. This is the same process NYSCA uses at the state level. THE QUALITY OF YOUR APPLICATION WILL DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF YOUR FUNDING. BE THOROUGH, BE CONCISE, BE SPECIFIC.

GRANTEE RESPONSIBILITIES Keep us updated on project Send information to Arts Center 4 weeks prior to events Provide complementary tickets to funded activities for auditor attendance Must get approval for changes IN ADVANCE Credit The Arts Center for funds on all related print materials Submit a final report 30 days after the completed project

NARRATIVE TIPS Submit your narrative for review prior to the deadline of 12/5/15 Reference the guidelines for the application throughout the entire process Have a firm plan and artists in place before starting the application Answer only the question being asked Pay attention to each piece of information requested Neatness and correctness send a message about administrative capability Keep historical and background info brief The most successful grants are written by those who adhere to the guidelines, reflect funding priorities, and clearly and thoroughly explain the key benefits and goals of their proposal

SUCCESSFUL DESCRIPTION EXAMPLES Arts in Education Description: This is a mosaic installation to be created and installed by students with the intent to illustrate the Riverfronts Community The imagery will be created by this school s advanced art and studio classes and will incorporate the rich history that is part of their backyard. This school, although historically low performing and economically marginalized, has faculty and administration dedicated to the arts and dedicated to giving these kids new opportunities for success. this school district has just been elevated to School in Good Standing by our State Education Dept. This permanent art installation is an opportunity to make notable permanent art, feel good about their school and be given an opportunity to succeed... -- 2015 Arts in Education Grant Recipient

SUCCESSFUL DESCRIPTION EXAMPLES Community Arts Description: our productions are presented free of charge, allowing community members, regardless of their financial means (including retirement communities and students) to enjoy professionally performed live theatre. Since our productions emphasize language over visuals, they can be readily appreciated by the visually impaired. We continue to attract a loyal, enthusiastic audience, many of whom return offering glowing feedback and encouragement. --2015 Community Arts Grant Recipient

SUCCESSFUL DESCRIPTION EXAMPLES Individual Artist Commission Description: The Unspoken: Human Trafficking in Our Own Backyard My objective for this proposed project is to use my creative vision to raise awareness of the impact of human trafficking in our neighborhoods. I will create a series of mixed media art telling the stories of Schenectady County workers whose mission is to support and protect individuals who have been or are at-risk of being trafficked. If funded, the completed works will be available for public viewing at an awareness event taking place within the Proctor's Art Complex Community members will be engaged in the development of each piece (as described in the next section). Grant funds will cover my studio time, art supplies, publicity materials, and the cost of the venue. -- 2015 Individual Artist Commission Recipient

SUCCESSFUL NARRATIVE EXAMPLES Arts in Education Goals and Evaluations: Goals for this project are those of any teacher: We want to give kids a new experience. We want them to get their hands dirty and get in there and do REAL WORK. We want them to solve not a theoretical problem; but to take on the challenge of a real problem, to collaborate, solve and implement and take ownership of a job well done Being involved in a permanent piece of public art is a huge opportunity for these students. We will be evaluating this project as we go - making sure to correct any workmanship that falls short.. The kids get to be the evaluators as well as the teachers - they know what looks good! By empowering them, we are preparing them for success down the road. There will also be a Pre and Post Mosaic Test - about their art making experience. This will help assess the student s thoughts about what they have done, what they have learned, and how they see themselves --2015 Arts in Education Grant Recipient

SUCCESSFUL NARRATIVE EXAMPLES Community Arts Grant Community Question: The community will actively learn in workshops, classes & performances. All three segments of this project are highly interactive including the performance segment where students will showcase what they have learned. Community members will leave this project with a sense of achievement after being fully immersed and stimulated in the culture of Indian music The community has stimulated the growth of this project through attendance, word of mouth, immense volunteer efforts, financial and in-kind donations. In fact, it is their involvement that inspires this project to evolve and grow This year s project attempts to bring this same enrichment to the community but on a much larger scale through the creation of the Open Space Concert Series and expansion of the Indian Music Caravan Series. --2015 Community Arts Grant Recipient

SUCCESSFUL NARRATIVE EXAMPLES Individual Artist Commission - Career Question: As an artist, my work is presented primarily through visual storytelling by means of camera, sound and all the other components that make up digital filmmaking. My goals as a filmmaker is to create content: documentary, narrative or experimental films that offer perspective into a world, a mind, a way of life, that has been under-represented by mass media. As an artist, I believe my goal is to provoke thought, encourage dialogue, especially community dialogue, and to bring forth ideas of other possibilities while also challenging the status quo. This project relates to my goal as an artist because sharing these stories will be an opportunity to introduce and celebrate a new perspective; a new set of voices in Albany's growing community. It is imperative that conversations encompass the needs, desires and dreams of refugee youth and their families. The project also resonates with me on a much more personal level because I too am an immigrant --2015 Individual Artist Commission Recipient

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT All applicants, whether new or returning Must submit an Intent to Apply by October 23 rd, 2015 Application Intensive Workshops are scheduled at the Arts Center of the Capital Region on October 29 th (9am-4pm) and November 7 th (10am-4pm). Technical Assistance Meetings are available for one-on-one assistance with your submission. They must be scheduled online in advance. Visit www.artscenteronline.org/grants to schedule Technical assistance Meetings will be scheduled starting October 20 and ending November 14 A draft of your proposal must be submitted online ONE WEEK PRIOR to your meeting time to allow time for us to review. Hit the SUBMIT button. We will re-open your application for editing after the technical assistance meeting. Artists are now required to send Artistic samples of their work as part of the process. Details are listed on the submission form You must complete the Budget Form, now included as part of the application.

GRANTEE INFORMATION All grantee information is available at: www.artscenteronline/grants Download Intent to Apply forms and Guidelines Register for Grant Seminar(s) Informative links for all DEC grant categories

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MEETINGS Technical Assistance one-on-one meetings are opportunities for you to ask specific questions about your proposal and have a draft version of your application and budget reviewed prior to submission. Sessions can be conducted via email, over the phone or in person and are available by appointment in 30 minute time slots PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR DRAFT AND UPLOAD IT ONLINE, AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO OUR SCHEDULED MEETING TIME, SO WE CAN REVIEW IT. Your application will be re-opened for editing after the meeting. PLEASE NOTE: These meetings are NOT designed to review the application guidelines with you. These meeting are intended to assist you by reviewing a completed draft of the application

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MEETINGS HOW TO SCHEDULE ONE SCHEDULE YOUR ONE ON ONE MEETINGS VIA Youcanbook.me AS SHOW IN THE EXAMPLE, SELECT A 30-MINUTE SESSION TO BOOK IT. AVAILABLE ON OUR GRANTS PAGE AT: ARTSCENTERONLINE.ORG/GRANTS OR GO DIRECTLY TO: ARTSCENTERONLINE.YOUCANBOOK.ME

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND GOOD LUCK!