ArtPlace grants for creative placemaking projects; deadline extended

Deadline Extended: Due to the impacts of Hurricane Sandy, the deadline to submit Letters of Inquiry for ArtPlace grants has been extended until Monday, November 5, 5pm CST. If power is not restored quickly to portions of the East Coast, ArtPlace will consider moving the submission date again for organizations in affected states (that announcement will be made Monday, November 5). While the ArtPlace website is down due to the storm, the Letter of Inquiry form can be accessed directly at: https://www.wizehive.com/appform/login/artplaceloi2012.

ArtPlace offers grant support to artists, organizations and designers who are working with local and/or national partners to drive vibrancy and diversity in their communities by putting the arts at the center of economic development. An ArtPlace loan is also available. Letters of Inquiry are due Nov. 1.

South Carolina arts agencies, arts and cultural centers, arts service organizations, community development groups, economic development entities, foundations, and government entities are encouraged to review the ArtPlace grant guidelines and consider whether to apply. All 501-c-3 nonprofits and local governing bodies (including state bodies) are eligible to submit a Letter of Inquiry for grant funding. Individuals and for-profit entities may also submit for grant funding using a fiscal agent.

ArtPlace is a private-public collaboration. Eleven of America’s top foundations joined with the National Endowment for the Arts and seven federal agencies to establish this nationwide initiative to drive revitalization in cities and towns with a new investment model that puts the arts at the center of economic development.

To date, ArtPlace has awarded $26.9 million in grants – in amounts up to $1 million – to 76 organizations in 46 communities across the country.

Grant evaluation criteria

• Is art, art making or artists at the heart of the initiative?
• Is it likely that the initiative will result in increases in sustained vibrancy?
• Is it likely that the initiative will result in increases in heterogeneity of people in terms of income, race and ethnicity?
• Is the initiative integrated into a broader portfolio of strategies powerful enough to transform the community?
• Can the initiative provide new insights to the field and influence the work of others?
• Does this work elevate the distinctiveness of its place?
• Is there momentum on which to build? Is now the right time for this particular project?
• Is capable leadership in place? Can the organization and its partners execute this work successfully?

Visit ArtPlace’s website for instructions for completing a Letter of Inquiry and complete guidelines.  If you need more information after reading the guidelines, you may contact ArtPlace staff or contact your South Carolina Arts Commission coordinator.

Updated Oct. 30, 2012