Calendars

New Grants Calendar from the National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts announces its Grants for Arts Projects application calendar for fiscal year 2007.

To apply, applicants choose the primary artistic discipline that best matches their project or organization, such as visual arts or theater. Within each artistic discipline, applicants may apply to one of three major categories: Access to Artistic Excellence, Challenge America—Reaching Every Community Fast-Track Review Grants and Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth.

Maine native Felicia Knight, director of communications for the National Endowment for the Arts (speaker at the Blaine House Conference on Maine’s Creative Economy in May 2004), encourages all arts organizations that meet the criteria to apply, especially if they’ve never applied before. First time applicants and smaller organizations often are intimidated at the thought of applying for nationally competitive grants, but they shouldn’t be. We can help. Our program specialists are extremely helpful in providing guidance through the process. And if an application isn’t successful, don’t be discouraged. Keep applying. Maine arts organizations have a very strong record of successful applications to the National Endowment for the Arts.” 

Each grant category has a different set of guidelines, eligibility criteria and application requirements. In addition, each artistic discipline outlines its own program objectives. Applicants are encouraged to review individual guidelines at http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/index.html and communicate directly with program staff at the National Endowment for the Arts: 202/682-5400 direct line, 202/682-5496 TTY or email webmgr@arts.endow.gov.

Although Maine already receives three times the national average in funds per capita from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Maine Arts Commission seeks to maximize grants coming to Maine. To that end, the agency works with Maine’s arts organizations to look at opportunities in a collaborative way. Maine Arts Commission staff are pleased to provide assistance, especially for first time applicants. For more information, please contact:

Kathy Ann Shaw
G rants/arts development associate
207/287-2750, direct line
email: kathy.shaw@maine.gov
TTY/NexTalk 877/887-3878 User ID: kathy.shaw

FY 2007 Grants for Arts Projects

* There are two application deadlines for this category. To determine the one that is appropriate see Access to Artistic Excellence application guidelines.