The goal of the Trust's Individual Artists Grant (IAG) program is to recognize and encourage developing and established Ely area artists with funding of up to $1000 to take advantage of an impending, concrete opportunity or specific development activity. The project must represent a unique, concrete opportunity that will have significant impact on the artists' career.
Awards
Individual Artist Grants are typically limited to $1000. However, award limits for each grant round are listed on the application start page. Please refer to these limits when applying in the event that a change has been introduced for that specific grant round. Any application requesting more than the limit will be capped.
Who May Apply?
Your primary residence must be in zip codes 55731 or 55796, the cities of Ely and Winton and surrounding area, for at least 6 months prior to the grant deadline.
Your work must demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment and excellence.
You can not have an outstanding final report due to the Trust.
You can not be currently enrolled as a student in a degree program and must be over 18 years old.
Limitations
You may be awarded only one Individual Artist Grant in any given fiscal year.
You must complete your grant opportunity within 11 months or you will be required to return the remaining dollars. The Gardner Humanities Trust board may approve extensions for extenuating circumstances. Grant extensions must be submitted in writing to the board for approval.
Trust board members may not apply for an Individual Artist Grant during the term(s) they serve on the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust board.
Trust staff may apply for an Individual Artist Grant. All applications will be judged using the same criteria.
This grant program is not meant to support the completion of on-going work or to develop commercial venues for an applicant's art.
An applicant may apply for up to $1,000.
What opportunities does the Trust fund?
The Individual Artist Grant may support a broad range of unique short-term opportunities that will have a significant impact on your career. This list is intended to help you understand the purpose of the grant program and is NOT a complete list of eligible opportunities.
Studying one-on-one with a mentor of significant recognition (not related to any degree program).
Buying supplies or materials, necessary to complete work scheduled for a gallery exhibition, performance, publication, etc.
Buying capital equipment necessary to complete work for a concrete opportunity, but no more than 20% of the total grant request.
Working in collaboration with other artists.
Paying to have work prepared for display in an upcoming exhibition.
Renting equipment, instruments, or work space for a unique performance opportunity. Renting studio space to complete work for a unique opportunity.
Contracting for professional services related to a specific opportunity.
Renting retail space to promote and sell artists' work in a community that lacks such venues.
Paying for travel associated with a concrete creative or career development opportunity. The Trust reimburses mileage at the IRS charitable organization rate of $0.14/mile.
Attending a workshop that will increase your technical skills.
Self-publishing to promote your work.
Producing a compact disc, audio tape, or professional slides of your work as a means to advance your career.
Marketing yourself.
Limitations
The Individual Artist Grant may not be used for any opportunity that:
is intended to support the completion of on-going work;
is intended to pay the artist applicant a stipend, salary or compensation;
occurs outside the stated time frame of the application deadline;
involves any organizations at which you are employed;
involves publishing by a vanity press (you may self-publish your work);
attempts to influence any state or federal legislation;
involves capital costs (such as making improvements to your private property or establishing an endowment);
requires excessive entry or exhibition fees;
includes tuition, fees, or work toward a degree;
teaches or develops curriculum plans or teaching materials;
is strictly a commercial venture intended to mass market your work or has profit as its primary motive;
is primarily for the religious socialization of participants; or
is intended to pay debts incurred before the grant opportunity begins.
Application Requirements
When completing the project, you will be required to provide:
A complete PROJECT DESCRIPTION, including your project end date.
A BUDGET of anticipated project expenses such as workshop fees, materials, travel, etc. and any other income or funds you may be providing.
A requirement of this grant is to provide COMMUNITY IMPACT. How will the Ely community benefit from your project and experiences? Specifically, what interactions, exhibits or presentations will occur with members of the public, children and families during your grant year?
How will this grant enhance your development as an artist? What will be your ARTIST IMPACT?
Your resume. This should not exceed 2 pages.
Work samples or pictures of work that will help the board assess your achievements or developing skills.
Review Criteria
The Trust board will use the following criteria to evaluate your application.
Community Impact
Project brings new opportunities or events to the community.
Project provides a measurable benefit to the community.
The Trust encourages projects that impact or engage children and families.
The Trust encourages collaboration between artists and organizations.
Examples of Community Impact
Successful grant applications have included some of the following components:
Teaching art techniques or
demonstrations in school classrooms,
sharing new techniques with local artists/arts groups,
mentoring young artists or small group art instruction,
demonstration or lecture at the Ely Public Library or other public venue,
arts display at the Ely Public Library,
community performance of new work/techniques.
Community Impact must occur during the grant year.
Artistic Quality and Merit
Artistic quality is based on the quality of the artist. The Trust will take into account where each applicant is in his/her career. Resume and work samples should demonstrate originality, technical skill, artistic vision, and
professional commitment. Work must provoke emotion, intellectual inquiry or other response from an audience.
A project demonstrates merit by being closely aligned to the artistic goals and current abilities, or the anticipated impact of the opportunity on the artist's work or career
Ability To Complete
The applicant must demonstrate an ability to accomplish the project or program as described.
Ability is demonstrated by providing evidence of a planning process, the qualifications of the artistic personnel (resumes), publicity efforts and previous successful efforts carried out by the artist/organization.
Is the budget feasible?
Has the applicant explored other avenues of supplementary funding?
Does the applicant describe adequate plans to let the public know about the project?
Artistic Need & Impact
Applicant must demonstrate how this project will enhance their own development, or that of the audience it serves.
Project expands knowledge/appreciation of the fine art.
Timeline
Board decisions and award contracts will be mailed 30 days after the application deadline. The Trust will make funds available within 4 weeks of receiving signed award contracts.