This program assists arts organizations to develop collaborative projects with other community/civic groups to employ Maine artists and provide cultural programming for Maine citizens.
- Deadline February 24, 2012
- Maximum grant award $7,500 (with a required 1:1 in-kind and/or cash match)
- Project must take place between May 10, 2012 and May 9, 2013
- Funding will be made available after July 1, 2012
Projects funded by the Artists in Maine Communities Grant may feature contemporary, community, public or traditional arts in all genres but must provide evidence of the vital role artists play in the enrichment of community. Projects must be innovative and forward thinking and the nature of the specific community should be well-articulated in the application. Only arts organizations may apply as the lead applicant. Applicants that have projects focusing primarily on arts in education should refer to the SMART grant program: http://mainearts.maine.gov/grant_smart.aspx.
Who is Eligible to Apply
A professional Maine arts organization that:
- a nonprofit organization, legally established in the state of Maine, and
- has tax exempt status 501(c)(3) from the Internal Revenue Service, and
- promotes, presents, produces and/or teaches visual, performing, literary or media art(s) as its primary purpose, and
- has completed and filed all final reports required for previously awarded Maine Arts Commission grants.
This organization must apply in partnership or collaboration with one or more an entities such as a(n):
- humanities or arts organization
- municipality or tribal government,
- social service organization
- artist collaboration, group or collective
- trade organization
- creative economy business, or
- school
The lead partner of the consortium must be the legal applicant. Individual artists may not apply; however, by definition Maine artists must be included in the collaboration.
An applicant must demonstrate a fiscal structure that allows them to legally and responsibly utilize grant funds. The applicant must provide a minimum of a 1:1 cash match or in-kind match. This demonstrates the applicant’s ability to take on the project. This match must be documented as part of the application package.
The applicant becomes legally accountable for complying with the above eligibility requirements upon submission of this request.
Review Process
Applications are reviewed by a committee of public members who are selected for their expertise in specific artistic fields. The committee will be chaired by a member of the Maine Arts Commission.
Grant recommendations will be presented to the executive committee or the full Maine Arts Commission, at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The approval of the review process, making the grant official, takes place at that time.
The review process and delivery of funds may take up to four months. This means that grant funds may be used to reimburse costs incurred for the project after the grant has been approved. Please plan accordingly.
Review Criteria
Grant proposals are reviewed on a competitive basis using the following criteria:
- Clear articulation of the project including attainable goals. Ability to critically define the details of the project and its background.
- High level of artistic quality and merit including the involvement of professional artists within a community setting. This should be demonstrated by accompanying web samples.
- Demonstration that the project is innovative. If applying for an ongoing project, clear demonstration of what makes the current year’s activities different or fresh.
- Depth and quality of the interaction with and benefit to the community as defined by the applicant.
- Quality of the planning process, including a timeline, used to involve local residents, artists, and key members of local organizations.
Projects involving only one artist or projects that have been funded by the Artist in Maine Communities program in the past may be less competitive. Permanent museum installations are not eligible for funding.
Applications will be strengthened if issues of accessibility and inclusivity are addressed.
Examples of Successful Grants
Lubec Landmarks, Inc.
This grant supported Orchestra Quest: a new collaboration of SummerKeys and the musicians of the Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra to provide classical music and music education experiences for Lubec.
SPACE Gallery
This grant supported Block Party, a free public showcase of temporary public art and performances in Portland's Arts District.
Required Application Materials
The preferred format for text files is .pdf, but .doc or .rtf files will be allowed. No other format will be accepted. Failure to save a document correctly may limit its ability to be uploaded through eGRANT and jeopardize your application. Instructions for submitting artistic work samples, if required, can be found below.
- eGRANT Application
Applicants are required to upload all supporting documents through eGRANT.
- Application Budget Form (form below).
No substitutions for the budget form are allowed (Organizations must provide evidence of 1:1 cash or in-kind match.).
- Application Narrative (form below)
Clear, specific responses to each of the questions, addressed sequentially and numbered. Responses can not exceed four pages. The project description is the central element of the grant request.
- Resume(s)
For key staff members involved with the organization. Artists to be employed by the project may be included as well.
- Letters of Support
From individuals or representatives of organizations or schools who can speak to their anticipated benefit from the project. (up to three).
- Vendor Form (form below)
To be provided by a first time applicant or those who’s contact information has changed. This is information used by the Treasury to generate a check if the grant is awarded. Applicants should be sure to indicate the address the check should be sent to.
- Assurances Form for Organizations only (form below)
Form must include the original signature of an authorizing official. Please mark with name of applicant.
Mail or fax (207/287-2725) the assurances form and vendor form (if required) to the Maine Arts Commission, 193 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04333-0025.
Each applicant must speak with Kathy Ann Shaw, senior grants associate at 207/287-2750, kathy.shaw@maine.gov about the project before submitting an application. Failure to do so will disqualify the application.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to apply through the Maine Arts Commission eGRANT system. An eGRANT application will be accepted until 11:59 pm, on the date of the application deadline, however; agency staff is only available to answer questions until 5:00 pm. Because of the volume of eGRANT submissions on the day of any grant deadline, we strongly recommend you give yourself a 24-hour buffer.
Applicants who are unable to apply through eGRANT must contact Kathy Ann Shaw at 207/287-2750 or kathy.shaw@maine.gov to discuss an alternative prior to applying. Alternative submissions will not be accepted without prior authorization.
The agency will not accept late or incomplete applications under any circumstance.
Grant information is available in large print format by request. All Maine Arts Commission programs are accessible to people with disabilities. All programs funded by the Maine Arts Commission must also be accessible.