A project is defined as a set of connected activities with a distinct beginning and end. Projects may be single pieces, like one painting or installation or poem, or a defined series of works such as a series of drawings or songs. Projects with multiple components must show that there is a cohesive theme connecting the components together. This grant is focused on enabling artists, working on their own or in collaboration, to create work. The proposal must have specific goals for what will happen during the funding period, but completion of works and/or public showings are not required.

• Example One: Three artists will work toward creation of a new, site-specific performance piece. They will spend time together developing work and experimenting using Viewpoints. The artists will work around a theme of climate change and flooding, with the long-term plan being to perform this piece at Salty Brine Beach in Rhode Island. Over 4 months in the summer, the three artists will create a framework for the performance and an outline of the script.
• Example Two: An artist will complete the final three pieces in their series of abstract sculptures. The series is themed around mental health in artist communities, and there are currently seven completed mixed media sculptures. This grant will allow the artist to create larger, more intricate pieces, and experiment with incorporating steel into the pieces. These three pieces are expected to take approximately 9 months to complete, with the artist spending approximately 10-15 hours per month on this work.
• Example Three: Rooted in the history of storytelling, an artist will create an hour-long performance based around their immigration to the United States with their parents at 12-years-old. This engaging oral history will be created with youth ages 8 and up in mind, though will be appropriate for all ages. The artist will spend one month writing, and then another month working on the performance. They will consult with a local theater director for feedback and guidance.

See grants awarded in the most recent grant cycle.

You must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have lived in Rhode Island for at least one year at the time of application. This means Rhode Island is your primary residence, and is the address you use for legal forms, state income taxes, car registration, driver’s license or state issued identification, and voter registration - regardless of whether you own or rent your home. You must reside in the state for at least 183 days per year.
• Be a legal resident of the United States with a tax identification number (either Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). This includes refugees, immigrants, and temporary residents. This does not include people in the country on a tourist visa.
• Submit only one application per grant deadline to the Make Art Grant program.
• Be a practicing artist. RISCA defines practicing artist as: A person that intentionally creates or practices art in any discipline that:
  • Has sought learning or training in the artistic field from any source, not necessarily in formal academic institutions.
  • Is committed to devoting significant time to artistic activity, as is possible financially.
  • Is or is working toward earning some portion of their income from their art.
  • Disciplines include, but are not limited to, musician, painter, poet, choreographer, teaching artist, ceramicist, storyteller, performer, playwright, sculptor, photographer, wampum artist, printmaker, animator, cartoonist, textile and fashion designer, and filmmaker.
• All funded project activity must take place in Rhode Island.

You are ineligible if you are: 

• A current recipient of the General Operating Support for Artists grant.
• A staff member or Council member of RISCA, or an immediate family member of a staff or Council member.
• Currently enrolled in an arts degree seeking program or attending high school full time.
• Proposing a project that is part of a nonprofit or other formal entity’s work. You can receive in-kind donations from formal entities (like donated rehearsal space or materials).
• Not the primary artistic force behind the project.
• Applying for support for this project or aspects of this project through another RISCA grant program.
• Delinquent on any final reports for previous RISCA grants.

• All grant awards are contingent upon the availability of funds from the State of Rhode Island General Assembly and the NEA.
• The maximum grant award in this category is $5,000 but partial awards are common. Partial awards will be no less than 50% of the application request or $1,000, whichever is higher. 
• Grant applications are considered on a competitive basis. Award amounts may vary cycle to cycle depending on available funds, number of applications, and the panel decision-making. For more information on our Decision-Making Process, visit our Applicant Resources web page.
• If you receive a partial award, you will not be expected to accomplish the project as initially outlined. You may reach out to the Program Director to discuss project modifications at any time.
• You have the option of declining the grant award with no penalties.
• If you receive a grant, you must credit RISCA on all marketing materials. See Acknowledging RISCA.

Grant funding cannot be used for the following:

• Capital projects, including the construction or renovation of buildings, or additions to buildings.
• Any fundraising expenses such as creating rewards for a Kickstarter or hosting a fundraising event for any purpose.
• Addressing, eliminating, or reducing existing debt.  
• Entertainment and hospitality, including expenses for activities such as receptions, parties, galas, etc. Specific costs that have a core programmatic purpose and are included in your budget may be allowable. 
• Prizes and awards for an event, person, and/or organization. 
• Regranting.
• Activities that are associated with a graduate or undergraduate degree program or for which academic credit is received.
• Applications for projects that proselytize or promote religious activities, or which take place as part of a religious service.­­
• Programming, performances, and exhibitions unavailable and/or inaccessible to the public.
• Expenses incurred or activity happening outside of the award period.

Accommodations and How to Apply    

RISCA only accepts applications through the online grant system Foundant. Please note there are two different grant portals, one for individual artists and one for organizations. If you have questions about whether you or an organization already has a profile in the system or if you have questions about logging in, please contact one of the program directors: Staff Directory | RISCA.    

  To log in or set up an applicant profile: Online Grant Application Portal for Individuals   

  Access Policy   
It is the policy of RISCA that no qualified individual, based on a disability, shall be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of services, programs, or activities of the agency or the agency’s grantees, or be subjected to discrimination.   

For questions on accommodations, contact Seamus Hames, Arts Education Program Director and 504 Accessibility Coordinator, at 401-222-6994 or seamus.hames@arts.ri.gov.       

Application   

Section 1:  For RISCA staff to determine if the applicant meets the eligibility requirements to move to panel review. Includes an eligibility checklist and required uploads.   
Section 2:  For Panel to learn about the project and to review and score it based on the evaluation criteria. There are two parts:  

• Logistics - simple questions, check boxes and uploads about the who, what, where, and when of the project. Includes project plan and budget uploads.   
• Artistic Vibrancy and Impact - one short narrative question to explain how this project builds on or expands your existing art practice, upload of work samples, bio/resume/cv, and artist statement.

Panel reviewers will use the following criteria to evaluate and recommend applications for funding.
Logistics 

• The application clearly states what will be done by whom, when, and where things will take place, and how this project will happen both logistically and financially.    

Artistic Vibrancy and Impact

• Art making is central to this project. 
• The applicant’s artistic voice and vision are clear. 
• The proposed project is a positive and purposeful extension of the artist’s existing practice, including both: 
  • Conceptual ideas and subject matter. 
  • Style and technique. 

Note: Per NEA enabling legislation, the federal agency requires that state arts agencies include artistic merit and artistic excellence in their evaluative criteria. However, the NEA allows state arts agencies to define artistic merit and excellence for themselves and in conversation with their communities. For this grant program, artistic merit and artistic excellence is defined as “artistic vibrancy and impact.”

For Panel Review: Required Documents and Support Materials for Project Evaluation 

• Project Budget (Required: Use the RISCA Artist Project Budget Template).
• Project Plan (Required: Use the RISCA Project Plan Template).
• Bio/CV/Resume of artist(s) involved.
• Artistic Work Samples: Documentation of up to three pieces of art.  
  • This may include images, video, audio, and/or writing. Pieces of art include but are not limited to a short film; a graphic novel; a dance; a painting; a piece of jewelry; a song; a sculpture; a performance in a public place; a poem; a class/lesson/workshop you taught or work of your students; or a quilt.  
  • You may submit a maximum of 10 images; and 10 minutes of video; and 10 minutes of audio; and up to 20 pages of writing.  
  • Note: You must upload support materials to a Google Drive folder, open to everyone with the link or link and password. 
• Work Sample List. Required to use the RISCA Work Sample List Template.
• Artist Statement or Personal Mission Statement.
  • Support Materials List template (see top right)
• The website will be submitted as a link and must be to the website of either the lead artist applicant or the project.
• Up to 10 attachments that tell the story of your application and relate to the review criteria. Examples of support materials can include artist resumes/CVs; images/video/audio of work by applicant and/or participating artists; letters of support from community members, past participants, project partners; marketing collateral for past projects.

Practicing Artist: A person that intentionally creates or practices art in any discipline that:

• Has sought learning or training in the artistic field from any source, not necessarily in formal academic institutions.
• Is committed to devoting significant time to artistic activity, as is possible financially.
• Is or is working toward earning some portion of their income from their art.
• Disciplines include, but are not limited to musician, painter, poet, choreographer, teaching artist, ceramicist, storyteller, performer, playwright, sculptor, photographer, wampum artist, printmaker, animator, cartoonist, textile and fashion designer, and filmmaker.

Rhode Island residency:  Have been domiciled in Rhode Island for at least one year at the time of application. This means Rhode Island is your primary residence, and is the address you use for legal forms, state income taxes, car registration, driver’s license or state issued identification, and voter registration - regardless of whether you own or rent your home. You must reside in the state for at least 183 days per year.