National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) News

National Endowment for the Arts makes 2005 Grants for Arts Project Guidelines available on agency web site: new format encourages easier application process

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) posted Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) guidelines for FY 2005 on the agency web site at www.arts.gov/grants/apply/GAP05/. These are the first online-only GAP guidelines at the NEA, providing applicants easier access and a more flexible format for changes and access to information.

The most beneficial change to the guidelines is a return to discipline orientation. For the past several years, applicants have been directed to funding categories, such as Creativity or Heritage & Preservation. This coming year, applicants will approach funding through the field or discipline of their project, such as dance, theater or visual arts.

"We hope this change will simplify the application process, as well as underscore the importance of artistic field and discipline at the agency," said A.B. Spellman, NEA deputy chair for guidelines and panel operations.

GAP supports exemplary projects in dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literature, local arts agencies, media arts, museums, music, musical theater, opera, presenting, theater, visual arts and multidisciplinary art forms. Although organizations will apply directly through these fields, each discipline offers granting opportunities in the following categories:

Access to Artistic Excellence
Supports artistic creativity, preserves our diverse cultural heritage and makes the arts more widely available in communities throughout the country.

Challenge America Fast-Track Review Grants
Enables small and mid-sized organizations to extend the reach of the arts to under-served populations whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics or disability.

Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth
Advances learning in the arts for children and youth consistent with national, state or local arts education standards.

Review the NEA web site for further information about these categories and about GAP requirements.