Esthetic Evolution, this year, will begin awarding Art Grants for certain individuals to create art projects which can be set up and displayed at the Event. The budget for Art Grants is limited, but it is a start nevertheless. Of course we encourage everyone to express themselves in whatever artistic medium they can, regardless of being allotted any money to fund their project. We do, however, hope that those who may be less fortunate financially but have big ideas can benefit from this new endeavour we are taking on.
Please keep in mind that we may not be able to provide complete funds for any individual project. In order to help as many artists as possible and increase the presence of art at the Festival, it is our intention to assist with a portion of many projects and will do our best to work with you to make your project happen. Keep in mind also that these funds are NOT for labor or other extraneous costs associated with creating a project. They are intended mainly for purchase of supplies ONLY. In the spirit of gifting and community, we would hope that you would be willing to put some sort of personal effort and sacrifice into your project.
Process For Submitting An Application / Proposal:
The process for completing the application for an Art Grant should go about like this. Fill out the online Application to show us your intention. We may contact you for additional details about your project. Be prepared with the following information: Philosophy, Sketches / Designs, Itemized Budget, Project Help or Crew, Safety Precautions Taken, Setup / Cleanup Needs.
Deadline:
The deadline for getting us your 2010 grant proposal is March 31st 2010. No exceptions.
Date For Grant Approval:
Most decisions will be made no later than April 20th & you will be notified at that time.
How Much Should I Ask For? / How Much Will I Get?
Depending on the project, this can vary. We are definitely willing to work with you if your idea is feasible. We will do what we can to get you the money you need or help in any other way we can. Artists should be prepared to find other sources of funds as well. There are many free resources out there; consider ways of using materials that can be acquired cheap and easy.
We have a very limited amount of funds available and will try to do what we can. We may not be able to fund your entire project but you should ask for what you feel is reasonable and we will work with you from there. Be creative, ask for help (even from us; we may have contacts or resources you do not), hold a fundraiser, make it happen.
We have always offered the option for community members to make donations. Encourage your friends, family or co-workers to donate to your project directly or to the Esthetic Evolution Art Fund by donating on our website thru PayPal [LINK: PayPal Donate Button (Code TBD)].
When / How Will I Receive Funding?
This will vary depending on the project & the cost. A separate schedule of payment will be developed for each artist or group of artists working on a particular project individually. Funding may come in different payment methods from different sources & possibly not all at once, so we will work it out with you directly. It may be necessary for us to sign a contract together to ensure a mutual agreement and understanding.
Criteria That Will Shape Our Decision To Award Grants:
Creativity – Have you put much thought in to it? Do we like it?
Professionalism – Are you prepared and were your Application / Proposal done well?
Synchronicity – Does your project fit in to the Festival? We love fire (done safely)!
Interactivity – Is your project engaging? Does it have any interactive elements?
Things To Keep In Mind When Designing Your Art:
FIRE
For ANY Art project (whether applying for a Grant or not) that include any sort of Fire effects of ANY kind, please E-Mail us at Art@EstheticEvolution.com and describe in detail what you plan to do. Esthetic Evolution Festival is near National Forest Service land and must adhere to fire safety practices. We must be very careful with fire at Esthetic and in some cases fire will NOT be allowed at all depending on your idea. So let’s talk about it and try to work it out. IF you do not contact us before the event, your project’s fire effects will be shut down & you may be asked to leave the event. We are very serious here. This does NOT include fire spinning by living persons. This only applies to installations on Art projects that burn, shoot, or otherwise create flame.
RESPONSIBILITY
You must take responsibility for ALL aspects of your art project, installation, performance, etc! From setup to teardown we expect you to keep that responsibility. Leave no trace applies to you, the artist, as well as ALL other attendees, participants & performers at Esthetic. If you assemble an art project on the meadow at Esthetic, then you must disassemble and/or otherwise remove and haul away your project without leaving a trace as well. If you desire to burn a project, and this ONLY applies if it will fit into a fire pit, then please contact us to work out the details. Nothing, absolutely nothing, should be left at your art site or camp when you leave. Remember that every aspect of creating art must be taken seriously. E-Mail Art@EstheticEvolution.com with any questions or inquiries.
SAFETY
Another thing to consider when setting up or building your artwork is that it must be sufficiently secured against wind and weather conditions that may arise. If there are securing wires, rebar or any other piece of your artwork that may not be clearly visible, then it is necessary that they be flagged or otherwise marked for daytime AND especially nighttime visibility. Suggested lighting solutions include reflective tape, LEDs, blinky lights, glow sticks & such. You should be prepared to replenish, recharge, replace batteries or other aspects that keep your project illuminated as necessary. It is a good idea to use something that cannot be stolen or removed. If you need help securing your structure, please contact the EE Art folks (again, Art@EstheticEvolution.com) and we will do our best to help you with ideas or on site assistance.
We really appreciate your interest in taking your talent and contribution at the Festival to a new level. We truly want to do anything we can to help foster the gifting and self-expression that the community at Esthetic Evolution provides. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. Don’t let your project slip by without at least inquiring about its plausibility and potential.
To apply for an Art Grant, please click here