2017 Makeshift MicrogalleryGrant Application
Thank you for your interest in applying for Makeshift, a project of Albuquerque’s Downtown Arts & Cultural District.
For more information on our work, visit:
Please send completed applications:
-Via email (as a single attachment, word doc or .PDF) to .
-Via mail to Downtown Albuquerque Arts & Cultural District, 115 Gold Avenue SW, Suite 205, Albuquerque, NM, 87102.
Applications will be accepted beginning on September 4th, 2017, with a deadline of October 16th, 2017
About Makeshift
Makeshift is a seed grant project using funds the Downtown Arts & Cultural District received as part of Albuquerque Community Foundation’s Great Grant Giveaway in April 2017.
Money will be re-granted toward artist/curator honorariums and materials costs for quarterly shows in “microspaces” within the Downtown Arts & Cultural District (click here for map - .PDF) that are accessible / viewable 24-hours per day
Example: the Pacific Exhibits storefront gallery on Gold between 2nd & 3rd
There is funding of $2,500 available for up to six (6) separate microgalleries, totaling $15,000.
Makeshift is aimed at benefiting the area in multiple ways:
- Beautifying Downtown and reactivating / utilizing existing space that is visible on a 24-hour basis from public right of way (for example: art exhibit in empty storefront windows, building facades, adding a mural to brick walls that can be seen from the sidewalk, etc.).
- Increasing economic opportunity for emerging artists in Albuquerque, with a focus on Chicana & Chicano, Native/Indigenous identifying artists, LGBTQIA, Homeless / Transitional / Formerly incarcerated persons, and Veterans.
- Providing free and easy to view / experience arts installations that anyone can access (a “walkable outdoor gallery”) that encourage visitors to explore the area by walking.
Who Should Apply
Applications are welcome from curators, artists, arts administrators / arts nonprofits, and/or anyone with experience putting together shows with one or more artists.
How It Works
1. You find a small space, wall, etc. that can be viewed 24 hrs per day
2. Work with the local business/property owner to secure a donation of the space at no cost for a period of 1 year
3. Apply to the Makeshift program by October 16th, 2017 using this application
4. Projects that are selected to receive a grant via Makeshift will be notified by November 15th, 2017, and expected to launch their first quarterly exhibition by February 28, 2018.
Funds consist of:
-Artist honorarium and materials budget in the amount of $350 per installation, for a new show every 3 months over the course of 12 months
-Curator stipend of $150 per installation for selection, coordination, and documentation of each show
-$500 for marketing + general materials budget for the space
-Optional: if you choose to partner with a nonprofit as fiscal sponsor for your application, we will include a 10-percent fee ($250) to cover administrative expenses for processing checks/paying artists and curators
Applications will be scored based on:
-The applicant’s demonstrated experience in selecting and coordinating shows with one or more artists (10 points).
-The applicant’s plan to select artists, with a focus on increasing economic opportunity for emerging artists in Albuquerque (10 points).
-Original and unique use of space and materials (10 points).
*Note: we encourage applicants to connect with local property / business owners as they prepare to apply. If you have questions about the application process or would like suggestions for potential spaces to contact, feel free to email / attend one of the two information sessions below:
● 6p to 7:30p | Thursday, September 7th, 2017 | Breve Crepes & Coffee, 400 Gold Ave SW
● 12p to 1pm | Tuesday, October 10th, 2017 | Free Range Spaces Coworking, 1710 Central Avenue SE
Additional Requirements
Insurance. Must provide the Downtown Arts & Cultural District with proof of insurance on an annual basis for the microgallery/space (can be purchased by curator, nonprofit, or property/business owner). Downtown Arts & Cultural District cannot provide insurance.
Signs & Promotion. Each quarterly installation / exhibition must include a small card with short description of the Makeshift Program and Downtown Arts & Cultural District, and link to website to learn more (we will provide).
Documentation. Curator in conjunction with artist for each quarterly exhibition must provide a minimum of 3 hi-res photos (2 of the exhibit and one of the artist with exhibit) for promotional purposes within one week of initial installation.
Nonprofit status (if applicable). Fiscal sponsorship by a nonprofit is encouraged but not required. If you apply with a fiscal sponsor, please include an additional 10-percent administrative fee of $250 in the project budget section of your application (question 9), along with the documents requested under “tax exempt organization information.”
If you apply as an individual without a fiscal sponsor, please note that you are responsible for any income taxes on the grant award.
The Application
1. Please provide your full contact information.
Name:
Organization (if applicable):
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Website:
2. Are there any specific focus areas that you would like to pursue via this microgrant? (Check all that apply)
❏ Environmental / land arts in New Mexico focused
❏ Native / Indigenous artists
❏ Chicano or Chicana / Latino
❏ LGBTQIA
❏ Homeless and/or in transition (veterans, post-incarceration, etc.)
❏ Other (please describe)
3. In 500 words or less, share your plan to select artists for the installations / exhibitions (please include as separate attachment).
4. Describe your experience selecting and coordinating shows with one or more artists.
5. Describe the location, including address, you are proposing for the gallery, and how you plan to use the space.
6. List the names + websites (can be social media profiles) of 4 artists you would seek to feature if you receive the Makeshift grant, and why.
7. Safety / Longevity.
Please describe how you plan to ensure that public safety as well as the integrity of the artwork / installation will be protected.
For example, for street level microgallery of visual art, is it behind glass/plexiglass, a rotating wall for murals that will include anti-graffiti coating, etc.
8. Please provide a planned budget for the project, including any other sources of funding (can be cash or in-kind donation)
Tax-exempt Organization Information (if applicable).
If you choose to partner with a nonprofit / tax exempt organization as your fiscal sponsor, please provide the additional information below.
Organization Address:
Year established:
Unique identifying number (e.g. Tax number):
Website:
Phone number:
Stated mission of the organization:
Board Members:
Please provide the following attachments to this application:
● Proof of 501(c)3 tax exempt status in the U.S.
● Proof of certificate of good standing with New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office