COMMUNITY TRADITIONS GRANTS

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Institute for Cultural Partnerships, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), sponsors Community Traditions, a small grants program that seeks to increase the capacity of individuals and organizations to develop traditional arts programming in their community.

Over the past two years, the program has funded 23 artists and organizations who are new to PCA granting process. These grants have supported a broad range of projects, including fieldwork and documentation of local traditional arts, resource development and networking, creation of new work, production of exhibits and performances, and planning and implementation of workshops and residency programs. These projects have succeeded in helping both artists and organizations develop their capacity to do traditional arts programming in their respective communities.

Expanded PCA funding for Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) organizations throughout the state has created increased opportunities for artists and community organizations to access small grants to support local public programming. In addition, technical assistance is available to artists and organizations in many areas of the state through a network of Regional Folk Arts Support Centers, developed by ICP in partnership with PCA through its Folk Arts Infrastructure Initiative. ICP has thus refined the focus and guidelines for the 2003 Community Traditions granting cycle.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The Institute for Cultural Partnerships invites proposals for projects that help individuals and organizations build capacity for folk arts programming. Types of project proposals solicited include the following:

• targeted fieldwork to identify hidden and under-represented folk and traditional art forms and the artists that practice them;
• development of resources that support ongoing traditional arts programs; and
• networking, consultations, and mentoring that build skills related to folk arts programming and/or lead to collaborations with other folk arts organizations.

The program is now restricted to the following counties:

We believe that this strategy will help us strengthen the development of folk arts resources and programming among artists and organizations in those areas of the state where there is little or no folk arts infrastructure.

Organizations currently receiving funding from the PCA through other funding tracks (AOAP, AIE, PDC, etc.) are eligible to apply. However, the project should clearly address local or regional needs and capacities related to folk and traditional arts.

Grant awards require no match and will generally not exceed $3,000. All projects must be completed within a year of receipt of funds.

HOW TO APPLY

Projects selected for funding will be chosen on the basis of a narrative proposal and budget. Organizations interested in submitting a proposal must contact Amy Skillman, Director for Arts & Heritage Programs at the Institute for Cultural Partnerships, 717-238-1770, to discuss their project.

After this initial phone conversation, organizations may be invited to submit a written proposal that explains the project's geographic reach, proposed activities, anticipated outcomes, budget and timeline, and personnel. Applicants will work with ICP to identify qualified personnel/consultants for their project.