Artist Enrichment Grant Program
The Artist Enrichment grant deadline is typically the first Friday of September.
NOTE: Applications will be available in July.
The Artist Enrichment (AE) program provides opportunities for feminist artists and arts organizations to enhance their abilities and skills to create art for progressive social change. Applicants may request funds for a range of activities including: artistic development, artist residencies, the exploration of new areas or techniques, or to build a body of work.
Applicants to the AE grant program, like the AMA grant program, should show high artistic quality in the work sample, and should be able to demonstrate their commitment to feminism and their understanding of the relationship between art and social change. Both grant programs are arts-based and feminist in nature.
Examples of awarded Artist Enrichment grants
A musician in Murray produces a CD and an educational one-woman theatrical performance in tribute to Marian Anderson, the first African-American woman to sing a lead role with the Metropolitan Opera. This historic concert was held at the Lincoln Memorial after Ms. Anderson was denied use of Constitution Hall because of her race.
A theatre artist in Danville develops an autobiographical physical theatre piece about the relationships in a violent family. The piece and related workshop materials helps her transition into creating new work and will further community dialogue about family violence in Kentucky.
A group of feminist writers based in Laurel county conduct a writing workshop for its participants with two experienced workshop leaders to help women writers in their area improve their skills and to help them think of themselves as writers.
A fiber artist in Irvine builds a small, environmentally friendly studio, guided by eco-feminist principles, in which she can have a work space incorporating a permanent dye kitchen so she can more efficiently create fiber works inspired by her life as a mother, individual, and a woman.
A media artist in Shelbyville creates a series of video installations focusing on women who have contributed to social change during times of war and civil conflict.
A visual artist in Bowling Green participates in an artist residency to study blown and flame worked glass with a noted female glass artist and incorporate these techniques into new feminist work.
Who may apply for KFW grants?
Individual artists and arts organizations based in Kentucky may apply. For the purposes of this grant, individual artists must be creating strong, highly original artwork, and organizations must be engaging in arts-based activities.
What criteria are used in the review process?
The reviewers assess the applications based on the following criteria:
1. Artwork in sample is strong, highly original, and reflects feminism and social change.
2. Proposed activities will further applicant’s development as a feminist social change artist.
3. Application and work sample demonstrate applicant’s understanding and practice of feminism.
4. Application and work sample demonstrate a clear understanding of the relationship between art and social change.
5. Work plan, timeline, and budget are clear, detailed, and realistic.
6. Applicant’s ability to complete the proposed activities is clearly shown.
Note: When considering applications of equal merit, the KFW Board of Directors has asked reviewers to give priority to underrepresented demographic populations and first time applicants (applicants who have not received KFW funding).
How much money can I request?
Grants range from $ 1,000 to $7,500. Due to the number of strong applications received, KFW reviewers are rarely able to recommend full funding. The typical grant award is $3,000 to $5,000.
What are the Eligibility Requirements?
Because KFW is a private 501(c)3 foundation, grants cannot be used for:
* for-profit organizations
* tuition costs or living expenses while working toward a degree
* promotion of specific religious doctrines
* endowment or capital campaigns or renovations of institutional facilities
* general operating costs for organizations
Because KFW focuses on feminist artists in Kentucky, KFW does not fund:
* non-art related expenses (i.e., overdue bills, taxes, etc.)
* work conducted by artists or organizations that have not resided in Kentucky for at least one year at the time of application
* activities that do not focus on improving the lives of Kentucky women
A Note About Archives
Duke University is the designated archive for all KFW records. After five years, the foundation forwards the files concerning funded grant proposals to the Rare Book Manuscripts and Special Collections Library at Duke University. All KFW records deposited at Duke are open to qualified researchers. By submitting this application, you waive any right to claim a privacy interest in the funded grant materials.
To Contact KFW:
Kentucky Foundation for Women
1215 Heyburn Building
332 West Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202-2184
Phone: (502) 562-0045
Toll Free: (866) 654-7564
Fax: (502) 561-0420
E-mail: info@kfw.org
More information here.
This blog is no longer updated. Please instead visit Writers For Diversity for new opportunities for women/ LGBT writers and writers of color. Thank you.
