Friday, August 24, 2012

Fall Deadlines for Fellowships, Residencies and Grants

(ARTISTS & WRITERS) Sustainable Arts Foundation AwardsThe Sustainable Arts Foundation offers financial awards to artists and writers with families. We are currently accepting applications for our 2012 awards. There will be five awards of $6,000 as well as five smaller Promise Awards ($1,000 each). Special consideration will be given to residents of the San Francisco Bay Area. Deadline for our Fallawards is September 1st, 2012.To learn more and apply, please visit us at http://www.sustainableartsfoundation.org/

Deadline is September 1, 2012!


(ALL) Massachusetts Artist Fellowship Program—MCC's Artist Fellowships are competitive, anonymously-judged grants for individual artists, with awards based solely on the artistic excellence of the original work submitted. For more info, go here:

http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/applications/fellowsapp.asp

The 2013 Artist Fellowships Program accepts applications in the following categories:

Crafts, Dramatic Writing, and Sculpture/Installation
Online applications available now
Application deadline: October 1, 2012

Film & Video, Music Composition, and Photography
Online applications available: December 15, 2012
Application deadline: January 28, 2013

(ALL) The Hodder Fellowship at Princeton Universitywill be given to writers and other artists of exceptional promise to pursue independent projects at Princeton University during the 2013-2014 academic year. Hodder Fellows may be writers, composers, choreographers, visual artists, performance artists, or other kinds of artists or humanists who have "much more than ordinary intellectual and literary gifts;" they are selected more "for promise than for performance." Given the strength of the applicant pool, most successful Fellows have published a first book or have similar achievements in their own fields; the Hodder is designed to provide Fellows with the "studious leisure" to undertake significant new work.

Hodder Fellows spend an academic year at Princeton, but no formal teaching is involved. A $68,000 stipend is provided.  Fellowships cannot fund work leading to the Ph.D. One need not be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Apply by November 1, 2012 through the Princeton Human Resources website - www.princeton.edu/jobs; search Open Positions and enter key word “Hodder Fellows.” 

(ALL) Residency at Chateau de La Napoule, Mandelieu-La Napoule, FranceLNAF’s General Residency offers up to ten artists a four week period to live and work at the Château de La Napoule. At its core is a belief in the value of the shared experience of personal, professional and artistic discovery that takes place within a supportive environment of peers. This program promotes opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue, artistic exchange and exploration of a shared interest in the greater good. This residency is open to all artistic genres and artists from across the globe. Selected artists receive housing and most meals. website: www.LNAF.org  For more information, contact [email protected]   Deadline: September 30, 2012

 

 





 


 


Wednesday, August 22, 2012

2012 NonfictioNOW Conference in Melbourne, Australia


I forgot to tell you! I will be in Melbourne, Australia for the NonfictioNOW Conference at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), November 21-24, 2012. I'll be on a panel of graphic novelists, comic book artists and scholars, talking about nonfiction visual narratives. If you are interested in attending this conference, here's a little bit of info from the website. And if you are an artist or writer who lives in Melbourne and are NOT going to the conference but would like to meet up for a beer or a fine cup of espresso, well, hell, drop me a line: [email protected]

And here's the link to the conference: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse/RMIT%20Events/Major%20events/NonfictioNow%20%20Conference%202012/

I can't believe I am going. I sure hope I get to see a wombat!

xoxo Mirabee


NonfictionNOW Conference in Melbourne, Australia 2012

 For the first time in Australia, this internationally renowned event will gather leading artists, journalists, readers, writers and publishers of nonfiction from around the world in Melbourne, in collaboration with the UNESCO Cities of Literature. Participants will have the opportunity to experience more than 40 panel sessions, keynote addresses, readings, screenings and events that explore creative practices, contemporary debates and new directions in nonfiction. Keynote speakers include Helen Garner, David Shields, Margo Jefferson and Jose Dalisay.

Join the conversation with Robyn Archer, Mira Bartok, Tony Birch, Peter Bishop, Mary Clearman Blew, David Carlin, Alison Croggan, Sophie Cunningham, Paul Daley, Jose Dalisay, Adrian Danks, Sherre DeLys, Peter Doyle, Patricia Foster, Andrew Fowler, Helen Garner, Ross Gibson, Marion Halligan, Chris Hammer, Robin Hemley, Pam Houston, Margo Jefferson, Evelyn Juers, Benjamin Law, James Ley, Paul Lisicky, Bret Lott, Kim Mahood, Shane Maloney, Adrian Miles, Kathryn Millard, Meg Mundell, Gina Perry, Leila Philip, Sian Prior, Alice Pung, Francesca Rendle-Short, Matthew Ricketson, Julianne Schultz, David Shields, Jeff Sparrow, Cheryl Strayed, Maria Tumarkin, Jen Webb, Geordie Williamson, Tony Wright, Xu Xi, Arnold Zable.

Truly a conversation amongst peers, NonfictioNow is expected to attract more than 400 participants, including panellists and keynotes, drawn from a range of disciplines. Audiences and panellists alike will mingle over three days beginning on the evening of Wednesday 21 November until Saturday 24 November. Registration for the three day conference (plus the Wednesday night welcome events) includes refreshments throughout and access to more than 50 events and functions. A limited number of single-day conference tickets are also available.
Register for three-day and single day tickets
Listen to and take part in conversations on the beauty and politics of contemporary essay writing; on ethics in memoir and the lines between fiction and nonfiction; on graphic narratives, radio, film, visual art, online works and nonfiction poetry. The role of the media in democracy; crime, food and travel writing; and stories bound to landscapes and places near and far: from Alaska to the Philippines, to our own city of literature, Melbourne... and much more besides.

Fellowships and Residencies for Artists, Filmmakers, Writers & Everyone Else!

I hope you are all having a great summer. Here are a few opportunities for your viewing pleasure. 
Cheers, Mirabee 


The 
Resident Filmmaker Challenge is a collaborative effort between the region’s best filmmakers and Modesto‘s non-profit organizations in developing short documentary videos that present unique perspectives into the community’s most pressing concerns.

The two and a half week challenge is an intense filmmaking experience. The 
Building Imagination Center acts as a facilitator, bringing together project teams (filmmaker, film crew, and a community group) and mentoring a process that helps filmmakers and partner organizations to advance social issues through documentary stories.

The residency includes a series of workshops — presentations, examples, demonstrations, and focused production and post-production sessions where project teams realize their video project. The team develops a video that is screened at the Modesto Third Thursday Art Walk. Additionally, filmmakers will receive $1,250 for expenses for their proposed project , services of a four - six person film crew from CSU Stanislaus’s Video & Time Based Media program, use of two Sony FS100 camcorders, and unlimited access to a state-of-the-art post-production editing suite.

The Challenge is specifically seeking CSU alumni and regional filmmakers from Sacramento to Fresno, and all of California in-between.

Read more about the Challenge, and how to apply at www.BuildingImagination.comDeadline for applications is August 24th, 2012.

2013 Application now available online at www.paam.org

Provincetown, MA.: Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) announces the fourth annual Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed Foundation Grant, which provides financial backing for mature American painters. PAAM is proud to help support under-recognized artist funding.

American painters aged 45 or older who demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply for a grant. The primary emphasis is to promote public awareness and a commitment to American art, as well as encouraging interest in artists who lack adequate recognition. Grants range from $5,000 to $30,000.

In the past, applicants have hailed from nearly all 50 states and multiple foreign countries. Applicants ranged in age from 45 to 84. The application for the 2012 grant cycle has been updated and is now available online at www.paam.org. PAAM encourages any prospective applicants to look at the application guidelines and apply. Completed applications must be postmarked Monday, April 1, 2013.


(CA ARTISTS) Southern Exposure's 2012 Grant Program
Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Southern Exposure is now accepting applications for Round 6 of the Alternative Exposure Grant Program. Alternative Exposure grants provide direct support to visual arts projects in San Francisco and Alameda Counties that in turn provide frameworks of support for artists to create and continue their work. We give grants of up to $5,000 to help fund the work of unincorporated groups, burgeoning art venues and gathering spaces, publications, collectives, events and more.

Southern Exposure strives to fuel the energy of the Bay Area visual arts community and encourage the vibrant artistic activity that occurs on the ground level – artists or groups of artists making and presenting work in a committed but informal way. Now entering its sixth year, SoEx has awarded $286,000 in direct funds to 88 Bay Area projects through the first four rounds of Alternative Exposure. To learn more about the history of this program and the many projects funded by Alternative Exposure visit: www.soex.org/alternativeexposure
How to Apply for Round 6: 
The Alternative Exposure guidelines and application materials are available to download at www.soex.org/alternativeexposure

3030 20th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
t: 415.863.2141
f: 415.863.1841

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE ARTADIA AWARDS 2012 HOUSTON WITH SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT TEXAS CONTEMPORARY!
Artadia is currently accepting applications for the Artadia Awards 2012 Houston from all visual artists living and working in Harris County, TX. Individual artists and collaboratives working in all media and at any point in their career are strongly encouraged to apply. Awardees will be selected in the fall of 2012 through Artadia's two-tiered jury process.
Application deadline: September 24, 2012 at 11:59 pm (CST).
Artadia is pleased to partner with Texas Contemporary for this awards cycle.
For eligibility requirements and to access the Web-based application, please visit www.artadia.org
Visionary support for Artadia in Houston is provided by Houston Endowment, Inc., The Brown Foundation, Inc., and many generous individuals in Houston who share a deep commitment to supporting the arts.

(ARTISTS & SCHOLARS) The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is currently offering grants for the visual arts and art history.  The deadline for applications is Friday, November 9, 2012.
Professional artists must be current, legal residents of Virginia and must not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at the time of the application deadline or during the grant period of Aug 2013-May 2014. Undergraduate students in the visual arts must be current, legal residents of Virginia who will be enrolled full-time in a degree program at an accredited college, university, or school of the arts for the academic year/grant period of Aug 2013-May 2014.  Graduate students in the visual arts or art history must be current, legal residents of Virginia who will be enrolled full-time in a degree program at an accredited college, university, or school of the arts for the academic year/grant period of Aug 2013-May 2014.More information including detailed eligibility criteria, an application, and a printable PDF flyer can be found at: http://www.vmfa.museum/Fellowship
Award amounts and categories:
$8,000 Professional Artists
$6,000 Graduate students (visual arts and art history)
$4,000 Undergraduate students (visual arts, includes college-bound high school seniors)
 
(WRITERS) The Helen McCloy/MWA Scholarship for Mystery Writing seeks to nurture talent in mystery writing—in fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting. The scholarship ($500) shall be used to offset tuition and fees for writing workshops, writing seminars, or university/college-level writing programs taking place in the U.S. in summer, fall or winter of 2013 or early spring 2014. Applicants must select a specific writing class/workshop/seminar to which scholarship funds would be applied. Deadline is February 28, 2013. Find submission details and requirements at: http://www.mysterywriters.org/?q=AwardsPrograms-McCloy


The Solstice Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing Program of Pine Manor College is pleased to offer the 2013 Michael Steinberg Fellowship for Creative Nonfiction. This $1000 fellowship is given once annually to a writer of creative nonfiction who has applied and been accepted to the MFA Program, and is based solely on the quality of the writing sample included with the student’s application materials. The deadline for fellowship applications is October 15, 2012 (postmark date.) Note: Awards must be applied toward the winter residency/spring semester directly following acceptance; fellowships cannot be deferred or applied toward a summer residence/fall semester start. For an application form and further details, go to: http://www.pmc.edu/mfa-apply.

The Solstice Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing Program of Pine Manor College is pleased to offer the 2013 Dennis Lehane Fellowship for Fiction. This $1000 fellowship is given once annually to a writer of fiction who has applied and been accepted to the MFA Program, and is based solely on the quality of the writing sample included with the student’s application materials. The deadline for fellowship applications is October 15, 2012 (postmark date.) Note: Awards must be applied toward the winter residency/spring semester directly following acceptance; fellowships cannot be deferred or applied toward a summer residence/fall semester start. For an application form and further details, go to: http://www.pmc.edu/mfa-apply.



(ALL) Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts in Wyoming, US offers competitive residencies for 2, 4 or 6 weeks (with preferences going to 4 week requests). Visual artists, writers, musicians and composers of all backgrounds, genres and experience are welcome to apply. Must be 18 or older. English language skills are a must. We have 4 visual art studios, 2 writing studios and 2 music/composition studios.

Selected recipients are given housing (with private bath), most meals and exclusive access to studio. Residents are responsible for all necessary supplies and transportation to either Laramie Regional Airport or Brush Creek Ranch. For more information about our program please visit www.brushcreekarts.org. We are only taking online applications. Please read guidelines prior to completing the online application. DEADLINE is SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 for our Winter/Spring residency session running January - May 2013.

66 Brush Creek Ranch Rd
Saratoga, WY 82331
Mobile: 307-710-7312
Fax: 307-327-5970

(ART HISTORY SCHOLARS/GRAD. STUDENTS) Fellowships & AcademicOpportunities 2013 - The Terra Foundation for American Art
International Essay Prize + Doctoral & Postdoctoral Research Travel Grants to the United States + Terra Foundation Fellowships in American Art.
Deadline: January 15, 2013
Application fee: none

The Terra Foundation for American Art is committed to supporting projects designed to engage audiences around the globe in an enriched dialogue on American art. The fellowships and academic opportunities listed below seek to enliven and expand the study of the history of American art by encouraging the participation of scholars worldwide.
http://www.terraamericanart.org/scholarship/fellowships/

Doctoral & Postdoctoral Research Travel Grants to the United States
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM CANDIDATES WORLDWIDE
Deadline: January 15, 2013

These grants provide funding for doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars outside the United States to travel to the United States for research on topics concerning American art and visual culture prior to 1980. For more information, go to: http://www.terraamericanart.org/grants/academic-program/doctoral-postdoctoral-research-travel-grants-to-the-united-states/

(ARTISTS) Residence fellowships - AkademieSchloss Solitude, Stuttgart: The Akademie Schloss Solitude fellowship  Deadline: October 31, 2012
The Akademie Schloss Solitude fellowship is a residence fellowship. It is expected that the fellows spend at least two-thirds of their residency at Akademie Schloss Solitude.
http://www.akademie-solitude.de/enhttp://www.akademie-solitude.de/en

The fellowship includes the following:
A combined apartment / studio, furnished with electricity, water and heat free of charge.
A stipend amounting to Euro 1,100 monthly (plus one-time expenses incurred by the fellowship holder travelling to and from Stuttgart from his or her primary place of residence).The Akademie may also offer additional financial supplements, depending on its respective budget situation.
A supplement for so-called double housekeeping (subsidy for apartment or studio costs); freight cost subsidy for the transport of materials, tools and instruments to and from Stuttgart; a project promotion subsidy and a one-time materials subsidy; in the case of non-German guests (from non EU-countries), assumption of part of their health insurance expenses.
The use of the workshops owned by Akademie Schloss Solitude under the supervision of the technical director, are free of charge for fellowship holders.
In light of the historical character and architectural substance of the building, the combined apartment/studios are generally only suitable for one person. In special cases the Akademie will consider allocating two studios for families.
All artists invited to stay at Akademie Schloss Solitude are obliged to establish residence in Stuttgart for the duration of the grant (compulsory registration).

APPLICATION
http://application.akademie-solitude.de/

Application requirements for a residency fellowship:
You are aged up to 35 years, or you have completed a university or college degree within the last five years.
You have completed your academic studies.
Please note that applications from those still enrolled in degree programs during the application round will not be considered. PhD students may submit applications.
A limited number of fellowships are awarded regardless of the applicants' age.

(ALL) The George Washington UniversityResident Artist/Scholar Program: January 14 - June 30, 2013, Washington, DC  Deadline: September 14, 2012
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at The George Washington University (GW) offers an Arts Fellowship available to support a mid-career artist and/or scholar. Fields may include, but are not limited to the following: visual arts, performance art, musical composition or performance, filmmaking, creative writing, theatre, dance, and scholars in the arts.

This new fellowship has been established to provide a platform for a resident artist/scholar to work together with a small group of GW faculty (Incubator Studio Fellows) and students, as well as other members of the Washington, DC arts community. The Fellow will not be assigned to teach any courses; instead, he/she will be expected to produce new work and/or scholarship, present at least one public lecture, regularly interact with graduate and undergraduate students, and fully participate in activities with GW faculty in the Incubator Studio Fellowship Program.

The concept for the inaugural Resident Artist/Scholar Program and Incubator Studio Fellowship Program (2013 Spring/Summer) will be determined through the submission process, which will consist of proposals from individual artists and/or scholars and GW faculty. A primary goal is to foster an interdisciplinary approach to creative research and scholarship over an intensive six-month period, a physical and intellectual space for the development of meaningful artistic and scholarly linkages across the arts and other disciplines, both on and off campus. The final result of the collaboration between the Resident Artist/Scholar Fellow and the Incubator Studio Fellows may result in a single project in which all fellows contribute equally or independent projects that have been developed through an ongoing intellectual exchange.

The Resident Artist/Scholar Fellow will be provided with a stipend ($30,000.00), a modest studio/office on the Foggy Bottom Campus, as well as a creative project/research fund (up to $5,000.00) to cover expenses directly related to the realization of the work done while in residence. The Fellow is expected to be in residence in Washington, DC, at GW during the term of the fellowship (January 14 – June 30, 2013).
http://art.gwu.edu/resources/opportunities/opportunities.php
Deadline for receipt of application for the Resident Artist/Scholar Fellowship is September 14, 2012.











Thursday, August 2, 2012

The Secrets of Grantwriting Revealed! Guest Post by Gigi Rosenberg, Grant Guru

Hi everyone. Sorry about the problems I've had lately with blogger turning my text into tiny indecipherable sentences. I'm not sure what is going on but hopefully I'll fix it. In the meantime, I'm about to run off to Ohio to give a couple lectures and do a reading at Ashland University's low-residency MFA Program for Writers. But before I do, as promised....here is the guest blog post by Gigi Rosenberg, wonderful grant guru. She wrote a terrific book called The Artist's Guide to Grant Writing last year and it is helpful for everyone in the arts. AND, if you are lucky, you can win a copy of her book! GO TO GIGI'S WEBSITE after reading her post and sign up on her mailing list if you want to try to win a copy of her book: http://gigirosenberg.com/


Have a great August and enjoy Gigi's pearls of wisdom.
Mirabee

  
Gigi Rosenberg travels the country teaching artists how to ace their grant proposals. She told me recently that she keeps hearing the same questions from artists over and over so I asked her to write down some of the questions and her answers so we could all benefit.

She will raffle off one copy of her book The Artist’sGuide to Grant Writing for anyone who signs up for her mailing list by midnight tonight. When you sign up, you’ll also receive two free tip sheets – one on grant writing and one on how to make a great presentation.



Gigi Rosenberg won her first unofficial grant as a 14-year old when she convinced her parents to fork over the cash to buy 5 rolls of Super 8 Kodachrome to shoot her first film. Today, she works as a writer, speaker, and artist coach for visual, literary and performing artists. She wrote The Artist’s Guide to Grant Writing (Watson-Guptill, 2010) to teach artists and writers how to win grants, fundraise creatively, and ensure that every second they spend writing a proposal pushes their art further into the world. For the latest, visit gigirosenberg.com.
How do I know when I’m ready to apply for a grant?

To apply for a grant you need a body of work. To create a body of work usually takes a few years working steadily in your medium. In general, most artists wait too long before applying for a grant. Who among us ever feels fully “cooked”? I don’t think that feeling goes with being an artist.

It’s certainly never too early to learn about grants, attend workshops about grants for artists or study applications. The questions you need to answer on those applications will help you define who you are as an artist and what you are creating.

You’ll also know if you’re ready if you have some accolades on your resume that show the support you’ve received from others – this could include shows you’ve been in, publications, other grants you’ve won, awards or any other recognition for your work.

If you really are a newbie then make sure the granting organization is interested in funding “young” or “emerging” artists.

Where do I research?

The first place to start your research is in your own studio or at your writer’s desk. Review the work you’ve done. Ask: Where have I been? What am I doing now? Where am I heading with my work? What’s my vision for 1 year, 5 year and 20 years from now? What kind of support would take me there?

Your own work is the best place to start. Then, have conversations with colleagues. Meet with an artist or career coach. When you know where you’re going you’ll be clear on what you need to grow and develop your work and you’ll know what you’re looking for.

It might be a residency, a project grant or a professional development grant.

Once you’ve decided what opportunity you’re looking for then turn to “The Source” on the NYFA website, your state arts commission, Mira’s list or the list of resources on my website can be your next stop. www.gigirosenberg.com/resources

How do I keep going in the face of all that rejection?

It helps to remember that famous artists get rejected all the time too. It’s part of the process of putting your work out there. It’s aggravating and can be demoralizing which is why it’s important to have close friends and colleagues who support you and your work no matter what. Also, as important as it is to be submitting to competitive venues, it’s also vital to put your work in the world in ways that you control. This might mean reading at an Open Mic night at the local coffee house, showing your latest work to a few friends, participating in a writers group or critique group. If you’re relying on funding organizations and people whose only job it is to judge you – that can drive you crazy. Build your own support team.

As an artist, a good attitude is essential – but even a good attitude takes work! When I’ve been grumpy, dejected for too long, showing up at my writing desk is even harder. Do the work so you can work unhampered by the wet blanket of rejection.

When an artist tells me how few rejections they’ve received, I don’t think “oh, they must be good,” I know this means they are not sending out enough applications. Be proud of that rejection pile. It’s shows your grit and tenacity!

I applied for one grant and didn’t get it. It was a ton of work. How do I know if it’s worth applying again?

If you can, ask the funder for feedback as to why you were rejected. You might find out that you were the next in line. Or you might find out that this grant was not a good match for you.

Some funders won’t give feedback. If that’s the case, then you can turn to your colleagues – especially if you know others who’ve won the grant. Ask them for feedback.

Also, read the guidelines and the criteria for applying, once again. Were you the perfect match? If you think you really were then you should apply again. Some funders like to see their applicants apply a couple of times before winning. This shows tenacity.

Use the application process to do all the homework and marketing preparation that you need to be doing anyway. That way, if you don’t win, you have some very valuable work completed like a revised artist statement, updated resume, succinct project description, and so on. Make the grant writing process work for you!

I want to end with a quote from Theater Director Anne Bogart about fundraising. It’s from her book And Then, You Act: Making Art in an Unpredictable World (Routledge, 2007). I couldn’t agree more!

Consider the pursuit of support and raising money as part of your artistic process… It is a way of meeting people, building community and articulating ideas, concepts, and intentions… If you have an idea for a project by the time you’ve described it to forty people it will be a better idea.

Download a FREE excerpt of my book at (www.gigirosenberg.com/book), check out the funding resources list (www.gigirosenberg.com/resources), sign up for my mailing list and receive two tip sheets – one on grant writing and one on how to make a great presentation. Join the conversation on Facebook at The Artist’s Guide To Grant Writing Facebook page.
 

Welcome to Mira's List

This blog provides information on upcoming grants, fellowships and residencies for artists, writers, composers, and media artists. It is for serious professionals only, from emerging to mid-career to established. I also publish information for graduate students from time to time. However, I do not publish information on exhibition or publishing opportunities, nor do I advertise artist retreats and workshops that charge money. At least that is my current policy. For more info on where to exhibit or publish, please see my links section which I try to periodically update. I sift through hundreds of search engines and websites to find opportunities for YOU dear artist. In return, I ask you to pass the information along to those who need it. Also, since this is a free blog, I don't always have the time to weed carefully through everything. If you find a grant or website or residency that is not up-to-date, is dodgy in some way, or is no longer in existence, please let me know! Also, if you stay somewhere at one of the residencies I suggest and have a good experience, I want that feedback too. Please check my FAQs at the top right side bar if you have questions before starting your search. Best wishes and happy hunting!