On February 17, our Business Workshops for Artists series continues with a session on grant writing for individual artists and arts groups, led by Katrina Rice of ArtsNL. The session will focus on the preparation and submission of applications to the Professional Projects Grants Program (PPGP), which recently saw an increase of $300,000 as part of an overall $1 million increase to the organization’s annual allocation, announced in November. With this increase, the maximum grant available to established artists moves from $10,000 to $15,000, while the maximum grant available for new artists rises from $4,000 to $6,000, with the maximum living expense increasing from $2,000 to $3,000. (Read more here.) All are welcome to attend this free session, which will be hosted online via Zoom. (Click here for more information and to register.)
We were fortunate to have Katrina host this same workshop for us last year, providing a number of artists with guidance, tips and insight to help them prepare their grant applications with confidence. Katrina was also kind enough to answer a few questions in advance of her last session and here, we share that Q&A with you again in the hopes that it will help you as you prepare your own applications.
Business & Arts NL: Is there anything that makes a grant application stand head and shoulders above the rest? What can artists do to increase their chances of success?
Katrina Rice: Unfortunately, there isn’t a formula to write a grant application that is a guarantee to funding. However, there are good practices to creating a grant application. Before applying for an arts grant ask yourself questions such as: What will I do? Where will I create it? Where will it show or be presented? When will the creation happen? When will it be seen? How will I create the work? Why is the project important to my artistic growth and development? How does the project connect to, depart or build on my past work? Why is this project important to my artistic career now? Once you can answer questions like that, you can probably present a clear idea of what you are intending on creating.
Business & Arts NL: What are some common mistakes you have seen in the past with regards to grant applications/the submission of them?
KR: Sometimes an application can seem rushed, so I usually advise applicants to start early. A month or more is needed to develop all the aspects of an application. Also, be clear in the project description and use support material that is in direct support of the proposed project.
Business & Arts NL: For those who may feel overwhelmed by the application process (especially those applying for the first time), any words of wisdom you can share with them?
KR: Break up the application process, take your time, and seek out help. When it comes to initially writing a project description, you might use a prompt question and write for 10 minutes. This allows you to get your thoughts onto paper or have another strategy to get your initial ideas and thoughts onto paper. This will give you points to build your first draft. When writing a budget, start writing a list of expenses and write down everything you will need, and get price quotes when possible rather than guessing at amounts. Read the application before starting to complete the application form and always call ArtsNL with any questions. We are happy to answer any questions to help with the process.
Workshop: Grant Writing For Individual Artists & Arts Groups with ArtsNL
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 17 from 1-2pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Price: Free
Registration: Click here
