Supported by the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the pilot Arts Innovation grant program will aid not-for-profit arts groups in engaging new audiences
"ArtsGreensboro is inviting Greensboro-based not-for-profit arts organizations to submit letters of interest for funding through its pilot Arts Innovation grants program. Supported by the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Innovation grants will enable organizations to undertake innovative approaches to engaging new audiences, with the ultimate goal of enhancing revenues through sustainable audience growth.
The Arts Innovation program is different from ArtsGreensboro’s four regular grant programs—Mission Support, Project Support, Teacher Art Grants, and Regional Artist Grants. The Arts Innovation program recognizes Greensboro’s changing arts environment; going forward, successful organizations will not only provide outstanding programming, but also develop nimble and innovative business models. The program encourages arts organizations to try bold ideas and collaborations that they could not do otherwise. Projects must be consistent with ArtsGreensboro’s strategic priorities of promoting arts education, celebrating the rich diversity of our community, and supporting economic development.
“We are delighted that the Bryan Foundation and the NEA recognize the importance of energizing arts participation across our community by helping arts organizations channel their creativity into building new audiences,” said ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion. “The Arts Innovation grants program will allow local organizations to experiment—to try things they’ve wanted to do for years.”
The pilot program includes $50,000 to fund a variety of projects conducted through June 30, 2016, with grants ranging between $5,000 and $10,000; funding must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the organizations receiving grants. Funded organizations will provide a post-grant report accounting for use of funds and demonstrating defined and measurable outcomes including audience demographics, impact of project on audience size, earned income, and an overall analysis of the project’s success.
Not-for-profit arts organizations in Greater Greensboro with annual operating budgets over $50,000 may submit letters of interest to ArtsGreensboro outlining the project and how it will engage new audiences; impact the community; build a stronger, sustainable operating model; and address the increasingly competitive arts environment.
While there is no deadline for submitting letters of interest, projects will be evaluated and funded as requests are received; therefore, ArtsGreensboro encourages organizations to submit letters of interest as quickly as possible. Upon evaluation, organizations may be invited to submit a full proposal and budget. The ArtsGreensboro Arts Innovation Grants Committee will make funding decisions.
Before submitting letters of interest, organizations are urged to discuss their project ideas with ArtsGreensboro Development Director Chip Berry at 336-373-7523, x243 to ensure that projects meet program criteria. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis until the grant pool is expended.
Letters of interest should be mailed to ArtsGreensboro, P.O. Box 877, Greensboro, NC 27401, or e-mailed to Development Director Chip Berry at CBerry@artsgreensboro.org.
About ArtsGreensboro
With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"
- A Press Release
