How much funding is available and what will it support?
Grants in amounts up to $3,000 each are available to support Native artists residing in New England. Projects should focus on art making, and the involvement of and benefit to New England communities. Projects may address preservation of arts and cultural traditions, contemporary native arts, and/or training and technical assistance.
Examples of projects Native Arts @ NEFA will consider:
Apprenticeship projects
Public art projects
Creative partnerships
Language projects that use art
Developing current work or medium
Learning new artistic skills
Creative partnerships
Professional development
Promotional material development
Research and documentation
Digital portfolio development (photography, writing and design)
This program will not fund:
Activities that take place exclusively in schools during class time
Political campaigns or lobbying
Fundraising events or pow wows
Construction or capital improvements
For-profit organizations
Computer equipment purchases
Who is eligible to apply?
Native artists demonstrating knowledge and experience in their art form, medium or media
Native organizations committed to preserving and encouraging art and art making in their communities
Artists and organization leaders who are members of or affiliated with a Native American tribal nation and reside in one of the six New England states
Artists and organizations who have previously received a Native Arts @ NEFA grant are eligible to apply, if requesting funds for a different project
How will funding decisions be made? Funding decisions will be made according to the following review criteria:
Applicant demonstrates artistic skill, accomplishment and experience
The proposed project will address an identified need
The project description is well defined
The project will have a lasting benefit to one or more communities in New England
The project aligns with the overall purpose of Native Arts @ NEFA – to help Native artists support artistic traditions and contemporary art forms
Project must occur within one year of receiving funding
Panel comments will be available to applicants, whether funded or not, to assist in the preparation of future proposals.
How will awards be determined?
Applicants will submit written project proposals and supporting materials following these guidelines, as well as Native Arts @ NEFA Applications form
A panel of Native arts advisors will review proposals following each application deadline. This panel will make funding recommendations to NEFA's Board leadership.
The application process is competitive. Awards will be based on submission of a complete application package that fully meets the criteria. Please review all guidelines carefully. NEFA welcomes any questions and will help with your application process.
How can I get assistance or more information on applying?
You may contact the NEFA office and request assistance by phone or in person. Contact:
Application packets from individuals are to
contain the following:
Application packets from organizations are to
contain the following:
1) One completed and signed copy of the Native
Arts New England Application form
1) One completed and signed copy of the Native
Arts New England Application form
2) Project Narrative and budget (up to 2 pages)
describing the following:
• Your artistry and your accomplishments to
date
• Your proposed project in relation to the
review criteria (the need, the plan and the lasting benefit)
• How the grant funds will be spent
2) Project Narrative and budget (up to 2 pages)
describing the following:
• Your organization and its accomplishments to
date
• Your proposed project in relation to the
review criteria (the need, the plan and the
lasting benefit)
• How the grant funds will be spent
3) Artist résumé
3) Organization history and program overview
4) Artist statement (up to 1 page)
4) Images of art work (work samples) related to
project (photos, jpeg, slides, CDs and DVDs accepted)
5) Images of art work (work samples) related to
project (photos, jpeg, slides, CDs and DVDs accepted)
5) Two (2) letters of support
6) Two (2) letters of support
6) Documentation of tribal affiliation or membership
7) Documentation of tribal affiliation or
membership
7) Other supportive materials (if available) will be
accepted, including press, awards, etc.
8) Other supportive materials (if available) will be
accepted, including press, awards, etc.
NOTES TO ALL APPLICANTS:
Be sure to make a photocopy of your application for your files.
Mail application materials to:
New England Foundation for the Arts
Native Arts @ NEFA
145 Tremont Street, 7th floor
Boston, MA 02111
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.
Application Checklist:
_ Completed application form
_ Narrative and budget
_ Artist résumé or organization overview
_ Artist statement, if individual
_ Images of work
_ Letters of support
_ Appropriate documentation of Native heritage
Postmark Application Deadlines: July 15, 2008 (for projects occurring between September 1, 2008 - August 31, 2009)
January 15, 2009
(for projects occurring between March 1, 2009 – February 28, 2010)
July 15, 2009
(for
projects occurring between
September 1, 2009 – August 31, 2010)
