Patronage of the arts is a proud philanthropic tradition, but shaking cold, hard cash out of connoisseurs and collectors can be difficult for even the most gifted artists during an economic downturn.
The Delaware Division of the Arts is here to help. The state-funded organization has released it's grant guidelines for Fiscal Year 2011 and the following frequently asked questions ought to point an interested artist in the right direction.
Am I eligible for a grant?
Just because you’re a starving artist doesn’t mean you’re automatically eligible for a handout from the state. Individual artists must be at least 18 and have lived in the Diamond State for at least a year. Non-profit organizations that promote, present or teach arts as well as organizations that offer art activities and public, private and parochial schools are also eligible for grants in different categories.
How much money can I get?
Individual Artist Opportunity Grants, which are competitive, are doled out in amounts up to $750. The grants support short-term professional and artistic development that advances an artist’s career.
Individual Artist Fellowships can range from $3,000 to $10,000 based on the reputation of the artist. But a $10,000 Masters Fellowship is only awarded to an artist who has received a $6,000 Established Professional Fellowship before 2003.
Is it difficult to get a grant?
The grants are competitive and all applicants must pass muster before a grant panel of art experts from the private sector. For the Individual Artist Opportunity Grants, the biggest factors are the anticipated impact on the artist’s career, financial feasibility, marketing plans to attract an audience and uniqueness of the opportunity. Fellowships are awarded based on the artistic quality of the applicant’s work.
But the State Arts Council has the final say in how much money each of the applicants get – and that decision is only finalized after Delaware’s fiscal year budget is approved.
Are there hoops to jump through once I receive a grant?
There’s no such thing as free money. A contract accompanies each of the grants and an artist must review and sign it before any grant money is used. The money may only be used for the activities outlined in the contract.
All grant recipients are required to maintain a free profile on DelawareScene.com and keep their event information updated. Also, grantees can expect on-site visits from division staff to check up on how the grant money is being spent. An artist must also file a final evaluation form no more than 60 days after their project is complete.
