Grant Guidelines
Fund for the Arts invites proposals from non-profit organizations located in Greater Boston that are interested in working with local artists toward the planning and design of new public art projects in their communities. Recent projects have been funded in Boston, Brockton, Lowell, and Lynn. The current priority of the Fund is to support comprehensive planning and development that will lead to successful artist-led community partnerships and implementation. Activities that planning and development support may include but are not limited to: artist selection, community engagement activities, site-specific planning, and acquisition of permits and approvals.
Implementation funding is available, provided that a successful planning process has been completed. Please contact the Public Art Coordinator, Lauren Johnston (ljohnston@nefa.org or [617] 951-0010 ext. 528), to determine if your project qualifies.
Awards for the planning and development phase of public art projects generally range from $5,000 to $20,000. Implementation grant awards are generally up to $30,000.
Review Criteria
The following criteria will be used to assess proposals:
Project concept and potential site ideas are well developed
Project will provide opportunities for strong community collaboration and education
Project will increase public access to art and art-making
Project will provide permanent public benefit with lasting impact
Project will include planning for maintenance
Project budget includes competitive artist compensation
Project has potential to attract funding for implementation
Organization has accomplished leadership and experience working within the community of the proposed project location
Organization has strong management and evidence of fiscal responsibility
Projects where an artist has already been identified are eligible to apply and will be reviewed with the following additional criteria:
Artist / artist team has a track record of creating work of the highest quality and is relevant to the proposed planning and development project.
Fund for the Arts will not fund:
Fundraisers
General operating support (including administrative salaries)
Organizations and projects outside of Greater Boston
Projects featuring artists outside of Greater Boston
Application Instructions
Applications should consist of the following:
Narrative (max. 4 pages) addressing the review criteria and the following points:
Describe the proposed project. Include the site location, geographic area, communities to be served, and any additional stakeholders. Describe how working with an artist would benefit the project and community.
Describe the educational and community collaboration opportunities the project would provide.
Describe your organization’s place within the community. List other partner relationships, coordination with city and state agencies (if applicable), and any prior collaborations with artists.
Proposed project timeline
Budget with grant request and indication of how funds will be spent
IRS 501 (c) 3 certification letter
If an artist has been selected for the porposed project, please provide the artist's resume and photo CD of 10 images from previous works
Optional: letters of support from collaborating partners
Deadline
Applications must be received in NEFA's office by February 29, 2008. Applications that are late, incomplete, or sent by fax or e-mail will not be considered. NEFA is not responsible for applications lost in transit.
Mail to:
New England Foundation for the Arts
Fund for the Arts
145 Tremont Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
