Oregon Arts Commission Seeks Concept Proposals
for American Masterpieces Projects
National Endowment for the Arts Initiative Now Open to All Disciplines
Proposals Due February 21, 2008
With funds from a National Endowment for the Arts initiative, American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius , the Oregon Arts Commission seeks proposals from Oregon arts organizations for projects that address the concept of American Masterpieces. Proposed projects may be in any artistic discipline.
The National Endowment for the Arts developed the American MasterpiecesInitiative to introduce Americans to the best of their cultural and artistic legacies. Funded programs will reach the American people through touring, local presentations, and education programs in every art form.
Although previous calls for American Masterpieces proposals were limited to selected disciplines, fiscal year 2009 ( July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009 ) American Masterpieces funds may support projects in any artistic discipline. The funds must be matched 1 to 1 with cash or in-kind equivalents. The Oregon Arts Commission anticipates awarding approximately $55,000 in FY2009, with a preference for supporting a single project.
Proposals may be submitted through Thursday, February 21, 2008 , and will be reviewed in early March. Arts organizations proposing the most competitive projects will be invited to participate in further discussion with the Commission.
Review criteria will include:
- The proposal's appropriateness to the American Masterpiece initiative’s goals;
- The artistic merit of the proposed work and project;
- The proposal's potential and ability to generate greater public awareness of the particular master artist or masterpieces within Oregon;
- The expected benefits and beneficiaries.
The Commission seeks proposals that demonstrate artistic significance. Previous awards in this program have recognized Oregon masterpieces. In FY2007, the Commission awarded an American Masterpieces grant to The Northwest Photography Archive to support the design and publication of Wild Beauty, the inaugural volume of a series of books chronicling the history of photography in Oregon . The FY2008 award was made to the Hallie Ford Museum of Art in Salem to support the development of an exhibition, book and public programs on The Art of Ceremony: Regalia from Oregon Tribes.
Proposals should consist of no more than one page, and address the following
A one paragraph description of the applicant organization.
A description of the proposed project, including why the artist, writer, composer, choreographer or writer and/or the work of art, production or composition is an American masterpiece.
An approximate total cost of the overall project. A detailed budget is not required at this time. However, the Commission may request a detailed budget from one or more applicants prior to making a final award.
An estimate of possible sources of matching funds.
A timeline outlining how the proposed project will be completed by September 30, 2009 .
Deadline 5 p.m. , Thursday, February 21, 2008 .
Emailed proposals, with the subject line American Masterpieces Proposal, are encouraged and should be sent to: shannon.planchon@state.or.us
Proposals may also be mailed (or delivered in person) to:
Oregon Arts Commission
775 Summer Street NE, STE 200
Salem , Oregon 97301-1280
Or faxed to (503) 986-0260.
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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine Commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.
The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature, federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.
