A few weeks ago, I hosted a teleconference info session on the new upcoming grants for this year’s Alberta Arts Days. Don’t know about the Alberta Arts Days? Then check out this link to learn more about the event itself.
If you haven’t heard the big news, Alberta Culture and Community Spirit will be granting funds this year, through an open call, to various Designated Celebration Sites. Up to five applicants will have the chance to become Alberta Arts Days Feature Celebration Sites; which means they will be eligible to receive a maximum grant of $20,000. An additional 55 applicants will be selected as Host Celebration Sites, making those hosts eligible to receive a maximum of $5,000.
I hosted my teleconference this month with the hopes that an increased number of smaller communities and rural areas would become involved in the Arts Days activities this year. This is due in main part, of course, to my love of the arts but also hinged on a sneaking suspicion that there might be a push by the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit to increase participation in rural Alberta.
I think this line in their info document kind of tipped me off: “When selecting successful applicants, Alberta Culture and Community Spirit will ensure that a variety of locations are chosen across the province.” Hey? See what I’m saying?
So if you happen to be an enterprising, rural community with a passion for the arts… take note and, more importantly, take action!
Now, I would like to pause here and officially declare that I AM NOT an employee of the Alberta Arts Days. I am simply passing this info on in good faith. If you would like to contact those who are ACTUALLY working for the Alberta Arts Days, see the info posted below.
Of course, another way to receive official info is to take a look at this info sheet provided on the Arts Days website. Here you’ll also find the official application form and very handy items like a sample budget. How fantastic is that!
I would also recommend that you pay close attention to the project objectives as I’m guessing that the more you reflect these objectives, the better your chances will be to receive funding.
And here they are for your perusal:
- provide free, family-friendly events;
- highlight local art and artists;
- involve local talent;
- involve youth;
- partner with other organizations in the community; and
- include a multicultural component.
During this same conference call, some participants brought up a series of really good questions not outlined in the info sheet mentioned above. On a side note, do make this Arts Days Info sheet your new best friend as it is packed full of extremely useful and important information.
Seeing that I didn’t have the answers, I have now consulted with someone who did. Below are the questions that arose from our conference call and the answers (as interpreted by me) from an Arts Day representative.
1) If two organizations from one community apply for an Alberta Arts Day Grant, would they cancel each other out?
No. But you will be in direct competition with each other. It is useful to note that one of the priorities of the Alberta Arts Days this year is to encourage partnerships between organizations in each community. Any application demonstrating partnerships will be looked upon favorably.
So get out there and chat with others in your community as you might have the perfect collaboration opportunity just waiting for you!
2) Is this a one-time funding opportunity?
The long-term goal for Alberta Arts Days is for community events to be self-sustainable. So it will really be up to you to make sure that your event or project is sustainable for the long haul. Be creative... look for new partnerships and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit!
3) Can I apply for liability insurance for my project?
Yes… having stated that, however, an applicant’s budget will be graded on overall merit, and if a large portion of their proposed budget is simply going towards insurance (ex. 50% of their budget), they may not score very high.
4) If I have received funding from other government agencies for my event, will this decrease my chances to receive an Alberta Arts Days grant?
No – quite the opposite! The Alberta Arts Days encourages applicants to seek out other funding for their events. They can’t foresee any conflicts to date.
Now… if you are looking to possibly use Alberta Arts Days funding as match funding for OTHER grants, it might be a different story (like for Travel Alberta, for example). That is where you will need to do a little bit of research and contact those alternate funders.
5) Can I apply to be a host for a Feature Celebration site if my organization was already one last year?
Yes!
6) If I’m unsuccessful in my application to be a Feature Celebration site, can I apply to be a Host site?
Yes, but PLEASE indicate this interest in your proposal letter.
7) If I have an event like an artist fair/sale where artists are selling their artwork, will this make us ineligible?
No, you can sell artwork at events or other merchandise like band t-shirts, for example.
However, if you are charging admission for your event (like tickets to a concert), you CAN’T use Alberta Arts Days Funding towards that particular event as well.
8) Can municipalities apply?
No! See the info sheet for a list of eligible types of organizations.
9) Can my event be outside of the dates outlined by the Alberta Arts Days (September 30 – October 2, 2011)?
This would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis so I would suggest contacting the Alberta Arts Day Staff.
10) Who can I contact then with my questions about the Alberta Arts Days?
Jason Flammia is one staff person working on this project: 780-644-2422
Or email: artsdays@gov.ab.ca
11) When is my application due?
Submissions are accepted until 4:30 pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.
Oh – and please don’t forget that you will need to provide one original and four copies of completed submission packages. I would hate to see anyone miss out because of a technicality!
So good luck and I look forward to seeing all of the fabulous events happening around the province this fall!
Janet Naclia, Creative Cultural Liaison
ACE Communities
jnaclia@aceleaders.ca
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