Harlem Community Arts Fund

Harlem Arts Alliance (HAA) is a not-for-profit arts service organization committed to nurturing the artistic growth and organizational development of artists and arts organizations serving the Harlem community.

The Harlem Community Arts Fund (HCAF) grant program supports the needs and aspirations of Harlem's artistic community. Support furthers the organizational and artistic development of artists and arts organizations. Created through a grant provided by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation, the Fund will respond to proposals from eligible artists and arts organizations based in and providing services within the Harlem community bounded by 110th and 155th from Hudson River to 5th Avenue (Community Districts 9 and 10 only). The program is not restricted on basis of race, sexual preference, ethnicity, or religious affiliation.

Application Submission Deadline (Incomplete applications will not be considered)

Postmarked no later than March 22, 2011

Fund Submission Categories

Interested artists are invited to submit applications to the fund in one of the following category:

Individual Artist Support

Individual artists are a vital resource for the Harlem community. Artists are encouraged to work independently, in collaboration with other artists and/or in cooperation with local organizations. HAA support in this category is intended to underscore the value and importance of creativity to Harlem’s cultural life.

Eligibility

  • Artists must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application and a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident.
  • Applicants may not be matriculated in an educational institution at the time of application or during the term of the grant support
  • Must reside within the Harlem community and propose a project taking place within the Harlem community(districts 9 and 10 only—for boundary details, see
  • Artists collaborations are welcomed if accompanied by a written collaboration agreement
  • Grant recipients (artists) must submit final report, for project, to HAA byJanuary 31, 2012.

Required Supporting Materials

  • Artist résumé and collaborating artist (if appropriate)
  • Materials documenting similar projects completed by artist—photographs, DVDs, press clippings, and text (limit 3 pages)
  • Letter of support from each of the participating organizations/institutions
  • Two letters of recommendation dated within the last two years
  • Written agreement with collaborating artists (if appropriate)

Eligible artists are encouraged to apply for funding as described below.

Creative Development: grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for individual artists interested in engaging the community in some aspect of the development and creation of new works of art. Funds can be used towards artist fees, supplies, and promotional expenses. This support is available for individual artists based in and working within the Harlem community. Priority will be given to creative projects engaging youth, senior or other target constituencies.

Criteria - Successful application will respond to each of the following points:

  • Sound plan for engaging the public and/or targeted constituency in the creative process
  • Plan to create the artwork within the grant period
  • Plan for publicizing the work within the community

Review Process

Staff review: Applicants may be contacted by HAA project personnel to clarify aspects of the grant request.

Panel review: HAA will impanel a group of objective individuals familiar with the Harlem community and its arts and cultural activities. All applications will be considered in detail and reviewed on a competitive basis by Harlem community arts fund panel members in accordance with the criteria listed above. All panelists serve as volunteers. Panelists will make recommendations for support to HAA's board of directors for final funding awards.

Award Information

Notification

Letters to award recipients will be sent by June 15, 2011. Awardees are required to use the Harlem Arts Alliance logo on any and all literature involving project as described in the application. All monies awarded are to be used solely for the funded project.

HCAF Funds may be used toward the following activities

  • Production costs; rental of equipment, instruments, or materials to complete work scheduled for a gallery exhibition, performance, publication, etc.
  • Artistic and technical fees directly related to the proposed project
  • Outreach and travel expenses related directly to proposed project
  • Marketing and promotional costs including: printing, mailing copying, etc.

HCAF Funds will not support

  • Ongoing living or personal expenses
  • Tuition fees, for instructional programs and/or matriculation in programs offered by public or private colleges, or universities
  • Costs related to the construction, improvement or purchase of real estate
  • Activities that are commercial in nature
  • Medical, legal, or accounting fees
  • Programs targeting a closed membership or that are not accessible to the public

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