Yesterday, I attended a local Boulder arts meeting for a presentation of ArtPlace. ArtPlace is new on the block to innovate and fund arts community development projects. I have been saying for a long time that arts are a solution, and we can become a bigger part of our communities by helping to create projects that will solve some of our biggest challenges. I was really excited to learn that this type of arts granting firm has been established, and established with gusto.

F. Javier Torres, Director of National Grantmaking for ArtPlace, gave us the scoop on their grants programs. He is a speaker that truly listens and answers all of your questions, and he has personality to spare. I hope you get the pleasure of witnessing one of his presentations.

ArtPlace has partnered with several foundations and individual donors to provide the funding for original thinking, problem solving proposals for community development. The amounts of money allocated per year are impressive for this new funder. The projects are even more impressive.

It was emphasized time and again that if you were to submit a proposal, that you should not use grant speak. Instead, use your own voice and compellingly tell your story. This tells me that ArtPlace is interested in hearing from you. You do not have to be a grant writer dynamo, just a very open and honest one that can reach them with your ideas.

Another bonus to this funder, they will fund all shapes and sizes. There was an example of them funding a town of around 450 people. Rural artists and organizations, you can go for funding too! As long as your idea is impressive, it can have equal weight in the pool of proposals.

I do hope they are also keeping track of what happens to the arts organization or artist before, during and after the community development project. I am willing to bet that audience development will happen as well (big wink). Maybe I will contact them about this subject.

We as artists have the creative minds to solve all kinds of problems. From economic development to health issues, the arts can improve communities and provide solutions for even the stickiest of problems.

Please do look at their website, and I hope it sparks your imaginations! If we want the arts to thrive, being a part of our communities again in positive ways will help make this happen.

Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,
Shoshana

Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder, ADS

I am getting close to being able to proof a printed copy of my first book. In the meantime, the eBooks are still available!