UChicagoArts Grants
UChicagoArts Call for Proposals
The UChicagoArts grant program solicits original ideas for the creation and presentation of arts in all genres. Proposals will be accepted only from university-based or -affiliated organizations or units: faculty, departments or centers, registered student organizations (RSO), campus cultural institutions, and other organizations involved in campus life. Grants range between $1,500 and $7,500.
Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- excellence of resulting artistic project
- innovation
- collaboration, whether with groups on- or off-campus
- feasibility and logistical organization
- student participation, both in terms of numbers of graduate and undergraduate students and in the depth of the experience the project will afford them
In addition, it is desirable that support be sought from other sources to supplement the funds available from the Arts Council.
Our grants provide seed funding for new artistic ventures. UChicagoArts grants should not be considered a source of continued funding: repeat requests for support of the same project are unlikely to be successful unless the proposal introduces a significant change or addition to the previous project. In 2009/10 we are particularly interested in funding projects that create collaboration between arts and other disciplines. UChicagoArts cannot support individual projects or capital or infrastructural improvements unrelated to a specific project. In addition, we cannot support the following:
- the production of CDs
- food and receptions
- conferences and symposia (except possibly for the arts perfomance or creation component of such events)
- University of Chicago faculty honoraria
- student teaching
- regranting programs, where the recipient group seeks funds that they would then award to others
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals one or two quarters in advance of any publication, presentation, or performance date: events occurring shortly after the notification date may be disqualified from consideration.
Applications will be reviewed quarterly. Upcoming deadlines:
- Fall Quarter Deadline: Friday November 6, 2009
(notification of funding by November 20) - Winter Quarter Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2010
(notification of funding February 19) - Spring Quarter Deadline: Friday, April 23, 2010
(notification of funding by May 7)
The Arts Council’s review process is competitive. Applicants should note that the Council’s funds are very limited and requests, when successful, may only be awarded partial funding.
Groups supported by UChicagoArts are required to submit a Final Report: a 500 word or less description and evaluation of the project along with documentation in the form of
- photographs or video of an event
- CDs or DVDs
- copies of publicity and publications
Final reports will be required following the completion of projects funded with the support of UChicagoArts grants. Further proposals from the same applicants will not be considered until the report regarding the previous Arts Council award has been submitted.
How to Submit a Proposal
Every application must include in one PDF document:
- Application Form (Word document)
- Project Narrative
- Project Budget
You may also submit a limited number of supporting materials (e.g. slides, designs, audio or video items, etc.). None of the application materials will be returned. Applicants may be contacted by the Arts Council regarding their proposals.
Individual students needing help in finding a partner organization or needing assistance writing a strong proposal should contact . A sample proposal may be found here (PDF). Applications must be received via email at , by noon on the deadline date. Please ensure that the proposal title appears in the subject line. Include the complete application as one PDF attachment. Late submissions will be held for the next deadline. If you do not receive confirmation of your submission within five days, please contact .
Supporting materials (photography, music, video, etc.) should be delivered in an envelope to Mary Harvey, Administration Bldg 510. Clearly indicate the project title on the packet of additional materials.
If you have questions about the program, please contact the Arts Council.
Related Links
- Sample Proposal (PDF)
- Submitting a Final Report on your grant project.
- Past UChicagoArts Grants
