Arts Commission provides grants for aspiring artists

The Indiana Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the Individual Artist Program grants.

“Grants can be used for anything to further the artist’s career,” program manager Susan Britsch said. “In the past they have been used for travel in order to be tutored by a master artist, to purchase equipment, to work toward an exhibition. Anything to meet the needs of the artist.”

Each year the program has about $76,000 to give away in grants. This year’s applications are due Feb. 2, 2012. 

Each applicant can ask for up to $2,000, meaning the commission awards more than 30 grants.

The Art Commission is a state agency, so funding comes from the state and the National Endowment of the Arts.

Jacobs School of Music Professor Petar Jankovic has won the grant money three times. He has used the money to make a CD and get equipment to record live performances and other guitar-related projects.

“The money helps a lot,” he said. “Say you only have half of the amount you need and the grant can provide the other half, so that is pretty significant. By getting the money you are able to fulfill your project and reach prospected goals.” 

In order to receive the money the applicants must write a grant. Britsch said most artists do not know much about writing grants, so the Arts Commission hosts workshops in order to provide knowledge of how to successfully write a one.

George Rehrey is a member of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning and has experience reviewing Active Learning grants.

He said when he looks at grants, a few errors usually stand out.

“It is disturbing when people don’t follow directions well and don’t do what is being asked of them,” Rehrey said. “Also, poor grammar and misspellings make it look rushed and not serious. Make sure someone outside proofs it before sending it in.”

He added that applicants should make sure they ask for is what the grant is providing.
In order to apply for the grant, candidates must be 18 years of age, be an Indiana resident for at least one year before applying and remain a resident for the grant period. Applicants may not be in a degree-granting program.

However, the program wants to encourage artists like Jankovic.

“I am grateful it is out there, and I wish there were more programs to help,” Jankovic said.