Greater Pittsburgh Artist Opportunity Grants

Multiple Deadlines: July 1, 2007 and October 1, 2007

Grants - Greater Pittsburgh Artist Opportunity Grants

Guidelines and Application Form are available for download.

An opportunity may be one of many things - An invitation to exhibit at a prestigious gallery, to audition for a major dance company, to study with a mentor or renowned teacher. It might be juried in some way or available only through a competitive selection process. In any case, it should not duplicate experiences the artist has had in the course of his or her ongoing work, and it must lead to professional growth in the artist's career in a clear and meaningful way.

Artist Opportunity Grants can cover expenses directly related to a unique professional opportunity. Opportunities must take place no sooner than one month after the deadline and must be completed within six months. The following are examples of eligible expenses:

• Travel associated with an imminent, concrete opportunity to perform, exhibit or audition, or for a unique opportunity to study with a significant mentor. (Lowest available fares or IRS mileage rate of 40.5¢ per mile)
  
• Expenses for materials or for equipment rental needed to complete work for an exhibition, performance, publication, etc. in which the artist has been invited to participate
  
• Documentation of work that is part of an imminent, concrete opportunity
  
• Professional fees and services related to a specific opportunity
  
• Expenses related to child- or daycare that would allow an artist to take advantage of a specific opportunity
  
• Reasonably-priced accommodations if opportunity is more than 100 miles from home

Funding Criteria:

Unlike grant programs that support the creation of new work, this program does not ask panelists to critique the artists' previous work. Instead, reviewers must determine from the application:

• Whether the opportunity is unique, and not a repetition of the artist's similar, previous experiences
  
• Whether the artist has made the case that this opportunity has true potential to positively impact his or her career

Applications are considered on a quarterly basis; postmark deadlines are January 1, 2007, April 1, 2007, July 1, 2007, and October 1, 2007. New application requirement: Call or email Susan Blackman as soon as you submit your application to confirm receipt of your materials.

For more information, contact Susan Blackman, Director of Arts Programs, at 412.391.2060 x 226

http://www.pittsburghartscouncil.org/artistoppgrant.htm