New grants available for arts projects in Hamilton County
—Festival performances and exhibits
—Special performances and exhibits by residents
—Special performances and exhibits by performing artists and visual arts groups
—One-day workshops
—Art/cultural classes
—Trips to local cultural resources (dance, folk art, literature, media, music, theater or visual arts)
—Artist or project director fees
—Supplies and small equipment
—Transportation
—Rental fees
—Marketing
—Documentation and assessment tools
A new grant program piloted by Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga will be available this fall for community, cultural and faith-based organizations; neighborhood associations; and government entities launching arts projects targeted for underserved populations in Hamilton County.
The new Community Cultural Connections grants are an answer to one of the goals identified in the recent cultural planning process for the greater Chattanooga region, called Imagine Chattanooga 20/20.
In an effort to help develop more arts and culture programs in neighborhoods where arts initiatives are scarce, small grants—up to $6,000 per group—will be offered to a wide variety of organizations, even those without nonprofit status.
According to the grant guidelines, applications will be judged on eight criteria, including the group's capacity to implement the proposed project; whether the budget, timeline and outcomes are reasonable and well-defined; and based on if the proposed project is consistent with the group's stated mission or purpose.
Those involved with the Imagine 20/20 planning process said they recognized that much more could be done to serve diverse neighborhoods and communities throughout the county, and the new grant program is just a first step toward improving accessibility.
"Our working group took on a broad definition of diversity. Through the Community Cultural Connections grants, we want the arts to be available to cultural and ethnic communities, seniors, persons with disabilities and in every region of our county," Allied Arts board member James McKissic said in a prepared statement.
All project activities funded through the new grant program must be open to the general public and be completed by Sept. 1, 2013.
Funds cannot be used to create permanent positions within an organization but will be available to pay fees for visiting artists or project directors. Building, construction and other capital improvements are ineligible, but small supply, equipment and rental needs could be covered with the grant funds. The funds will not be available to help start new organizations but could be used to create new events, exhibits and workshops. School projects and fundraisers are not qualified for funding, but transportation and marketing expenses for projects that qualify will be considered.
New and established arts organizations are encouraged to submit applications before the Oct. 15 deadline. Workshops to help applicants understand the process and the program will be offered on Sept. 5 at 9 a.m. at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and on Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. at the Allied Arts offices.
Announcements about which groups have been awarded grants will be made Nov. 30.
Updated @ 9:02 a.m. on 08/30/12 to correct a typographical error.
