The Student Art Movement (S.A.M.) Resource Research and Facilitation Project (sponsored by Christina Waters, Ph.D.) conducted an anonymous Faculty Interview Survey during the Spring of 2012 to learn from the faculty and staff at UCSC about grants, resources and residencies. This project has provided the students with a chance to learn about how the faculty and other professional artists have funded their own artistic career, and what they learned about the profession of the arts through their experiences. By learning from everyone's experiences and sharing that information on this webpage, we hope to enrich students experience in the arts and support emerging artists at the University and around the world.
If you would like to share your thoughts on grants, resources and residencies with emerging artists, please fallow this link and tell us about your experiences!
Q. 1.
Can you offer any tips or strategies in securing grant funding?
A. 1.
- …I would suggest looking outside of just the art world grants. I received a grant for research, but much of the money went to the the photo documentation which was basically my art project. It might take more work, but the research side of it will aid you in your concept and your reason for going out and making it.
- Research, research, research. Don't be afraid to apply for grants, but make sure you know the criteria first.
- I'd say to contact the resource itself. They will tell you exactly what they want from their applicants.
- Keeping a portfolio.
- ...In the past...I got grants (like the warhol foundation) through institutions that were exhibiting my work.
Q. 2.
What strategies have you used in the past to secure grant funding?
A. 2.
- I would suggest besides the obvious answer of researching your grant and your project, to look at whether your work or type of work has been produced. Since my grant was for research, I looked to see whether my project was unique compared to past winners. Think. What do they want from my project. How can I benefit them.
- Be confident, but don’t come across as cocky.
- Be enthusiastic about what they’re offering.
- Explain clearly what you can offer them, like any special abilities, like communication skills.
- Convince them how much they want you.
- Give a broader context about your future study and career plans and how the grant would help that, including how you are doing in school.
- If applying to other programs, mention them, but say that the particular program is special to you.
- Good reference letters are important. Approach instructors you have worked with closely who can write specifically about you.
- Once you get the first grant, getting others becomes easier. Be persistent and apply to as many as you can. While it is a lot of work, you can
- start developing a model, and the applications become easier with practice.
- Make sure your package stands out—use your design sense to visually articulate yourself and stand out
- Letting go of your ego helps. You want to write about your project, not about you.
Q. 3.
How have grants helped your progression as a professional artist?
A. 3.
- …Grants and residencies are nice to have on your resume and they can take you places that you might not have necessarily been able to afford.
- Grants and residencies helped me greatly when I was really poor, without funds to travel. The experience lifted my spirits greatly.
- By funding the progression.
Q. 4
What has been your experience with residencies? Did they influence your career as an artist?
A. 4.
- Residencies gave me the opportunity to get out of New York during hot and humid summer months.
Q. 5.
Which grants or scholarships for emerging artists and/or art students do you recommend?
A. 4.
- Check out NYFA source for grant information. I've found it to be a robust source of info for artists at all stages of their careers.
- The Awesome Grant!
- The Xerox Foundation, the Awesome Grant, and the Jay Kennedy
- Atlantic Center for the Arts, Millay
- Steelgrass Farms Bamboo Sculpture Residency