Durham Arts Council

 
What is the Emerging Artists Program?
The Durham Arts Council's Emerging Artists Program (EAP) is a project grant program that provides financial support to developing OR established professionals by funding a project pivotal to the advancement of their careers as artists.  Pivotal projects may happen at any stage of an artist's career.  Emerging Artists Grants are intended to fund a project that will occur between January-December 2021. The Emerging Artists Program begins its 37th year in 2020-2021.


Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
 Individual artists practicing any art form are eligible to apply for a grant. Applicant must be an individual, but the individual may apply for a project involving other artists. Applicant must currently reside in Durham, Chatham, Orange, Granville or Person Counties, North Carolina and have resided there for at least one year immediately prior to the application deadline (since November 13, 2019). Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and cannot be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program in her/his art form at the time of the application deadline. Recipients of 2019-2020 Emerging Artists Grants may not apply for a 2020-2021 grant.


What is the deadline for submitting applications?
  Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., Friday, Nov, 13, 2020. All portions of the application must be received by this date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.


Who decides which artists receive awards?
  Grant applications and support materials are reviewed by local professional artists in each art form, their comments are then forwarded to the EAP Committee who reviews applications, recommendations and then makes the final award decisions for all EAP grant applications.


Who funds the program?
  The Emerging Artists Program is funded through grants from The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, the Durham Arts Council, the Anika James Foundation,  the Ella Fountain Pratt Fund, the Ruth Carver Fund, The Wainwright Fund for New Works and private & corporate donations.

What types of projects are likely to be funded?
  The Emerging Artists Grant Committee is interested in assisting the development of an artist's career, so be sure to define the relationship of your project to your career goals.

  In the past, grant awards have provided funds for the following types of expenses:
  1) Promotion/ Presentation: The cost of producing or presenting work, marketing materials, web presence, expense associated with presenting work virtually.
  2) Travel: Travel to specific workshops, auditions, retreats or seminars—or to do research intrinsic to his/her art form.
  3) Services: Rental of equipment or facilities for presentation or creation of a new work.
  4) Supplies: Purchase of supplies, materials or equipment necessary for the completion or production of a new work which is considered by the artist to be essential to her/his career.
  5) Training: Advanced workshops, master classes or coaching that will enhance the artist's abilities. This program does not support work towards a degree.

Can I get assistance in filling out the grant application?
  Yes, Durham Arts Council and partner counties will offer grant workshops to explain the program and answer any questions you may have about completing the grant application. These sessions are free, but  you will need to email the contact to get a link to the meeting.  Attend the session that is most convenient. We expect each session to last no more than 60 minutes.

  All workshops are at 6:00pm:

DATE TBD hosted by Chatham Arts Council,  contact Jenni Detwiler at jenni@chthamartscouncil.org

 Tuesday, Oct. 6,  hosted by Durham Arts Council: contact Margaret DeMott at mdemott@durhamarts.org  

 
What selection criteria will be used?
  1. Overall excellence of the applicant's art work and demonstration of exceptional talent
  2. The applicant's serious professional commitment to her/ his art form
  3. Contribution of the proposed project to the artist's professional development
  4. Feasibility of the proposed project
  5. Timeline—project should happen between January 1 - December 31, 2021

How much money can I expect to be granted?
  While no specific minimum has been established, the maximum amount an applicant can request is $1,000. Our priority is to provide full funding of the requested amount.


Will I be required to provide a final report of my use of the grant?
  Yes, we require both a financial and narrative report. A report link will be sent to those receiving awards. Future awards will be contingent upon the submission of a final report.


  All applications are due by Friday, November 13, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.


  We do not accept late or incomplete applications.


The Emerging Artists Program is supported by The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, the Durham Arts Council Annual Fund, the Anika James Foundation and individual contributions.


Durham Arts Council, Inc. is a catalyst in the cultural development of  Durham - it leads, inspires, and promotes excellence in and access to  the creation, experience and active support of the arts for all the  people of our community.   Durham  Arts Council, Inc. makes all of its programs, facilities and services  available without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion,  ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender  preference, marital status or political affiliation.