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Greater
Pittsburgh Artist Opportunity Grants
An
opportunity may be one of many things -
An invitation to exhibit at a prestigious gallery,
to audition for a major dance company, to study with a mentor
or renowned teacher. It might be juried in some way or available
only through a competitive selection process. In any case,
it should not duplicate experiences the artist has had in
the course of his or her ongoing work, and it must lead to
professional growth in the artist's career in a clear and
meaningful way.
Artist
Opportunity Grants can cover expenses directly related to
a unique professional opportunity. Opportunities must take
place no sooner than one month after the deadline and must
be completed within six months. The following are examples
of eligible expenses:
- Travel
associated with an imminent, concrete opportunity to perform,
exhibit or audition, or for a unique opportunity to study
with a significant mentor. (Lowest available fares or
IRS mileage rate of 40.5¢ per mile)
- Expenses
for materials or for equipment rental needed to complete
work for an exhibition, performance, publication, etc.
in which the artist has been invited to participate
- Documentation
of work that is part of an imminent, concrete opportunity
- Professional
fees and services related to a specific opportunity
- Expenses
related to child- or daycare that would allow an artist
to take advantage of a specific opportunity
- Reasonably-priced
accommodations if opportunity is more than 100 miles from
home
Funding
Criteria:
Unlike
grant programs that support the creation of new work, this
program does not ask panelists to critique the artists' previous
work. Instead, reviewers must determine from the application:
- Whether
the opportunity is unique, and not a repetition of the
artist's similar, previous experiences
- Whether
the artist has made the case that this opportunity has
true potential to positively impact his or her career
Applications
are considered on a quarterly basis; postmark deadlines
are January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Postmark
deadlines that fall on a holiday or Sunday are extended
to the next business day. New application requirement: Call
or email Susan
Blackman as soon as you submit your application to confirm
receipt of your materials.
For
more information, contact Susan
Blackman, Director of Arts Programs, at 412.391.2060
x 226.
Other Arts Council programs and services for Individual Artists:
In
addition to this professional development grant program, the
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council provides project grants to
artists and organizations through the Pennsylvania
Partners in the Arts (PA Partners) program, a partnership
with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. The PA Partners
deadline for project grants is at the end of June.
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council also operates Volunteer
Lawyers for the Arts, a program that provides free legal
assistance to low-income artists for arts-related legal needs.
You must complete a simple, one page application to request
an attorney's assistance.
SPECIAL THANKS
The Greater Pittsburgh Artist Opportunity Grants program is
modeled on the Special Opportunity Stipend program of the
New York Foundation
for the Arts. We extend our sincere thanks to NYFA for
sharing their work and expertise with us.
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