The 2024 application cycle has closed.
If you are interested in thinking through a project for funding in the fall, you can review the application here.
BACKGROUND
To advance wellness, justice, and inclusion as key drivers of the City of Roanoke’s CITY PLAN 2040, the Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) is pleased to offer a limited number of Artist Action Grants in 2024.
Building upon the successful Art Matters Grants of 2022-23, the RAC has set aside $15,000 in Percent for Art Funds to continue the momentum. Explore the Art Matters grants and their outcomes on the landing page and final YOTA report of September 2023.
Successful applications will advance community goals through a thoughtful artist-led process that also supports the professional development of the artist and the organizational development of any partner organizations.
EXAMPLE OF A PAST FUNDED PROJECT
ELIGIBILITY
Funded artists may create work in any medium: photography, painting, printmaking, collage, film, performance, dance, music, textiles, ceramic, etc.
Artists are not required to be residents of the City of Roanoke; however, as indicated through written responses, selected artists will have demonstrated strong personal, professional or civic ties to the city. Artists must be 18 years of age or older.
Artists may apply for amounts between $500 and $3,000 to develop and create a work or implement a project that advances wellness, justice, and inclusion in the community.
The resulting work must be developed in 2024 and performed or displayed publicly by December 30, 2024. (The display or performance of existing work developed before the call will not qualify for this program.)
SELECTION PROCESS
The competitive process is open from January 1 through January 31, 2024.
Artists will be selected by a panel of qualified volunteers who will assess artistic merit and excellence, the potential to deliver a quality product and process, and the potential to advance wellness, justice, and/or a sense of inclusion in the community.
In addition to the product, the artist’s process will be a primary consideration of selection, especially the potential for transformative learning at the individual and community level. Additionally, artists may work with established community organizations, and if they do, a stated theory of change should apply to the organization as well.
As our selected artists will represent the creative energies and valuable potential civic contributions of ALL residents, the RAC is committed to engaging a diverse range of artists.
A total of up to $15,000 will be awarded. Artists who are not selected will be given feedback and an opportunity to re-apply as long as funds are available.
View the past application here.
NOTIFICATION AND NEXT STEPS
It is the intention of the Roanoke Arts Commission to award the funds in the shortest period of time that allows for an effective and fair process that delivers the best results for the community and the artists. We expect to respond to the first round of artists by the end of February. If funds are still available,
Selected artists will sign a memorandum of understanding with the City of Roanoke, outlining reporting expectations. Artists will be paid in full upon execution of the agreement. Selected artists will be required to submit brief reports to communicate progress and track learnings. As development of an arts learning community is a primary goal of the RAC, artists undertaking projects will be expected to present projects and share learnings with the network.
If you have trouble with this form, or have questions, please contact douglas.jackson@roanokeva.gov or 540-853-5652.
