Good Idea Grant

Deadline

The application deadline is September 18, 2009.

E-GRANT will accept applications until 11:59 pm, E.S.T., however; agency staff is only available to answer questions until 5:00 pm, E.S.T. Because of the volume of e-GRANT submissions on the day of any grant deadline, we strongly recommend you give yourself a 24 hour buffer.

The agency is unable to accept late applications under any circumstance.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Any artist who:

How to Apply

Guidelines are available in large print format by request. All Maine Arts Commission programs are accessible (ADA). All programs funded by the Maine Arts Commission must also be accessible.

Defining e-GRANT

Applicants are now required to apply through the Maine Arts Commission e-GRANT system. Forms to accompany e-GRANT applications can be downloaded on your computer, filled out and electronically uploaded to the e-GRANT system. Applicants who have a compelling reason that they are unable to apply through the e-GRANT system must discuss an alternative at this time.

e-GRANT provides the following advantages over the standard application format:

• e-GRANT allows applicants who apply for multiple grants to supply contact information only once. Only one copy of the electronic application is required.
• e-GRANT guarantees that an application will be received by the deadline. Applicants are notified as soon as the e-GRANT application is downloaded.
• e-GRANT will not allow an incomplete application to be submitted, but rather will identify missing materials. Complete applications are guaranteed to be reviewed.
• e-GRANT allows an applicant to submit narrative, budget information and resumes, letter of intent, etc. by attaching word processed documents.
• e-GRANT applications may require an original signature or artist materials that can not be submitted electronically. These must also be postmarked by the deadline as well.

Please review the following guidelines carefully in preparing your application in either electronic or standard format. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in disqualification of your application. Only complete applications will be accepted.

Important! Before developing the final proposal, discuss the project with Donna McNeil, director at 207/287-2726, donna.mcneil@maine.gov or TTY/NexTalk 877/887-3878 User ID: donna.mcneil, to determine whether the initiative meets the guidelines. This is required.

Applicants who have been encouraged to proceed must submit:

Guidelines for Submitting the Application Packet

• Use a 12-point font
• Do not submit applications in elaborate folders or packaging.
• Make copies of all forms and other application materials for your record.

Questions? Please contact Donna McNeil, director at 207/287-2726, donna.mcneil@maine.gov or TTY/NexTalk 877/887-3878 User ID: donna.mcneil, with any questions about the Good Idea Grant application.

Review Process

Members of the Maine Arts Commission's Contemporary Arts Committee, and of the public selected for their expertise in specific artistic fields, review applications.

Recommendations are presented to the Maine Arts Commission at its next regularly scheduled meeting for approval of the selection process.

Review Criteria

Good Idea Grant proposals are reviewed on a competitive basis using the following criteria:

Artistic Materials

Artists applying to the Good Idea Grant program must submit materials in the format described below. CD, DVD or manuscript clarity is the most important aspect of your presentation to the jury. It is essential that materials are of the professional quality necessary to represent your artwork to its best advantage.

Formats

Please use the following instructions to insure your eligibility. All applications must include one set of artistic materials (applicants in literature must send four complete copies of the manuscript and if a synopsis is included please also include four copies as well,) and a description list.

CD ROM for Visual Submissions

• The application package must include one set of ten images, depicting individual pieces, installations, designs models or products. Detail shots may be included.
• Preferred image format is a digital/scanned image saved as a .jpg. The image needs to be at least 500 x 360 pixels in size with a maximum single dimension of 1024 and saved at a resolution of 72 dpi.
• When you save your image, use the following naming conventions to name your file:
        1. Artist name_title of image_year of work.jpg (Example: JaneDoe_Untitled_2004.jpg).
        2. Maximum of 72 characters in the file name.
        3. Name cannot contain any spaces or characters other than letters, numbers, underscore or hyphen.
• Work samples must be accompanied by a list that includes titles, dimensions, materials and date for each image submitted.
• Represented work must be current, which means preferably within the past three years, except in the case of large-scale installations.

CD ROM and DVD for Audio and Video Submissions

• The application package must include quality recording(s) in CD ROM or DVD format.
• Required formats are:
         Video: .avi or .mov files
         Audio: .mp3 or .wav files
• Recording selection(s) set at a maximum of 15 minute review time and can include a single piece or multiple pieces as edited by the artist to best present the artists work and concept.
• If an artist is submitting a commercially produced CD or DVD then they must clearly indicate selected tracks or portions of tracks. These submissions should allow for jurors to hear/watch selected segments of larger works without viewing the entire piece.
• DVDs and CDs should contain enough space between selections to alert the jurors that they are beginning to assess a new work.
• Must include a separate sheet listing the artist’s name, title(s) of work(s), date(s) of completion, running time(s) when applicable, format of support material, best viewing platform (PC/MAC) and any special presentation instructions, and additional production credits.
• Represented work must be current, which means preferably within the past three years.

MANUSCRIPT Submissions

• The application package must include four manuscript copies with up to five poems (not to exceed 20 pages total), or works of prose (15-20 pages). Script and Playwriting applicants should include one act or scene only up to 20 pages.
• All materials must be legible in 12-point or larger type, double spaced on 8 ½” x 11” paper and properly collated. The name of the author should not appear on any manuscript material.
• Selections from a longer script or work of prose must be accompanied by a synopsis of the complete work. Four copies of the synopsis are required as well.
• The manuscript must not include evidence of publication. Copied, published material that is not in original manuscript format will not be accepted. Authors who illustrate their own work may send in unpublished renderings.
• Represented work must be current; which means preferably within the past three years.

In addition to grant funding, the Maine Arts Commission staff provides ongoing technical assistance to communities, schools, cultural organizations and individual artists on a wide range of topics including: