2008 Grant Cycle

The 2008 Application Form can be found at the bottom of this page.

Please read the following information before you prepare and submit your application.

What kind of art do we fund?

INTERACTIVE ART

We fund interactive art. We fund art that is accessible to the public, civic in scope and prompts the viewer to act. We like art that can be experienced in more ways than visually. We are fans of art that is meant to be touched, heard or experienced, as well as viewed. We prioritize funding art that involves the audience in its creation and presentation.

What is INTERACTIVE ART?

• Art that requires human interaction to complete the piece.
• Art that prompts people to interact with one another.
• Art that responds to participants and to its environment.
• Art that causes people to reflect on the larger community.
• Art that challenges the viewers’ traditional perspective on art.
• Art that belongs to the public and exists for the benefit of all.

Who can apply?

Black Rock Arts Foundation gives grants to individual artists or artist collectives that create interactive artworks destined for communities in the world at large; there are no geographic restrictions placed on those who can apply.

Will I receive a confirmation once I’ve submitted my application?

Yes, within a day or two of submitting your application you will receive confirmation via email.

What level of funding is awarded through the Black Rock Arts Foundation Grant Cycle?

Our grants generally range between $500 and $6,000. In 2008, we expect to award about 8 grants and receive as many as 100 applications. Occasionally, we will fund a project with a slightly larger budget.

Many of our grantees receive funding from other sources, aside from Black Rock Arts Foundation.  Applying for partial funding or a matching grant to funds you’ve received from other sources is permitted.

When are applications available and due?

Applications are available for download now.  The 2008 Grant Cycle will accept applications between February 1, 2008 and March 15, 2008. Mailed applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2008 and emailed applications must be received before midnight, March 15, 2008. A complete application includes the 2008 Application Form, a project timeline, and a project budget. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

When will awards be announced?

Awards will be announced and grantees will be notified no later than Thursday May 1, 2008.

What can I expect if I am awarded a grant?

The payment schedule for each grant is specific to the project.  The foundation is committed to working with each artist to arrive at a schedule that best suits the needs of the artist and the project. Generally, grants are awarded in three increments over the course of a year, each payment being contingent on an interim report of your project’s progress.   Your project must be completed within one calendar year of the grant award date.

Do I have to have a fiscal agent?

No, you do not have to have a fiscal agent – although some projects do have one.

Please be aware:

The Black Rock Arts Foundation DOES NOT fund any art destined for the annual Burning Man event. The Burning Man organization has a separate process for providing grants for artworks destined for the Burning Man event. If your artwork is destined for the playa, please visit the Burning Man website at www.burningman.com for further details on their grant application process.

Black Rock Arts Foundation grant awards are considered taxable income to the recipient, and require a 1099 Form, which we will provide. You will be asked to sign a contract, outlining the payment schedule of your grant as well as the interim report requirements. Contracts must be completed no later than Friday, May 30, 2008.

Instructions

Click on ‘2008 Grant Application’ below to download the application. The application may be emailed as either a MS Word document or as a PDF file, and must be compatible with Macs and PCs. Responses must be typed. Applications will only be accepted between February 1, 2008 and must be postmarked or emailed by March 15, 2008.

Submission Information

Our application process includes:

1) 2008 Application Form: must be completed as outlined above and submitted as an attachment via email with the subject line: "2008 Grants" to apps@blackrockarts.org.  In the application, you will have the opportunity to tell us about your project, it’s goals, audience and interactive potential.

2) Timeline & Budget: A project timeline and project budget must be submitted for your application to be considered. Timelines and budgets can be submitted as additional attachments at the same time as your application to apps@blackrockarts.org OR they can be sent along with any supplemental materials you may wish to submit to our physical address listed below.

3) Supplemental Materials: you may wish to have additional materials considered, such as slides, maquettes, drawings, digital images, etc. Supplemental materials must be sent to our physical address (below). If you would like your supplemental materials returned to you, please include an SASE with the appropriate postage. **

** Please note: supplemental materials are not obligatory, however, if you choose to send supplemental materials please check the appropriate box on the application form.

Send supplemental materials to:

Black Rock Arts Foundation
2008 Grants
1900 Third Street, First Floor
San Francisco CA 94158

This 2008 Application Form is a Word document. If you have any trouble downloading it, please contact: josie@blackrockarts.org.

Questions?