Artist Technical Assistance Grants

IMPORTANT:  Only artists approved for inclusion in the PennPAT roster are eligible for these grants.

These grants are for short-term projects that enhance and expand the roster artist’s marketing and/or touring ability. 

How to Apply

To apply for these grants, roster artists must first contact Katie West, PennPAT Director, to discuss the project.  If the project is deemed eligible, PennPAT will email or mail the guidelines and application to the roster artist.

Project Limitations

Grants MAY support:

• Hiring a consultant on a short-term basis to assist or advise on various artistic, management and marketing-related aspects of touring
• Costs to attend or participate in workshops or conferences that address issues and practices of touring
• Development of newly designed marketing materials (video, audio, web, press pack, brochure, etc.) that raise the level of quality, communication and professionalism in the artist’s presentation to presenters
• Registration, travel and showcase fees for roster artists adjudicated into a major showcase
• Travel and registration costs for a roster artist to exhibit at a regional booking conference for the first time
• Projects that enhance the artist’s marketing to presenters
• Projects that expand the artist’s ability to tour by making the artist more affordable or more attractive to presenters

Grants will NOT support:

• Purchase of equipment, supplies or other costs related to normal business activities
• Compensation for staff
• Travel, lodging or fees related to a touring engagement
•  Projects related to artistic development

Eligibility

The applicant must be included in the PennPAT roster for the time in which the project will take place.  In addition, the applicant must have submitted all final reports on previous projects by the report due date.

Deadline

Artists may submit applications on an ongoing basis, at least six weeks prior to the start of the proposed project.

Application Review

Applications will be reviewed by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation/PennPAT senior staff, based on the criteria below.  Applicants may be contacted for clarification and/or additional materials during this time.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed and funding decisions made according to the following criteria.

• There is a clearly articulated need for the project.
• There is sufficient evidence that the project will enhance the applicant’s ability to tour.
•  If applicable, the selected consultant or contractor is an appropriate match for the proposed project.
• The budget is reasonable for the project.

Application Materials Checklist

To be eligible, applications must include:

• The completed application form with budget and original ink signature.
• A one-page typed narrative that describes the project in detail and addresses the evaluation criteria for the appropriate type of grant. Be sure answer the following questions:
  • What is your project, in detail?
  • Who are you working with and why (if the project involves photography, videography, recording, graphic design, web design, or other consultants)?
  •  How, specifically, will this project enhance your touring ability?
  • Do NOT provide any biographical information about the roster artist or company, unless it specifically pertains to the project.
• Relevant support materials which may include:
  • a brochure describing the conference or workshop for which funding is requested.
  • a resume or brochure with client list from the consultant/contractor to be hired. (This includes photographers, videographers, audio engineers, designers, etc.)
  • a brief proposal from the consultant with written cost estimates for services to be provided, a timeline and a description of services (from designer, printer, videographer, photographer, consultant, etc.)
  • any other materials that may be relevant for the review of your application (confirmation of adjudication, etc.)

Grant Amounts

Grants will generally be awarded for up to 40% of project costs, up to a maximum of $5,000 per calendar year.  Applicants may include documented in-kind contributions as part of their match.  Some projects may not receive funding or may be awarded less than 40%. Roster artists may apply for and receive multiple grants in each category (Artist Technical Assistance and Strategic Opportunity), but may not receive more than $5,000 in each category during a calendar year (maximum $10,000 per year, per artist). 

Award Notification/Grant Payment/Final Report Requirements/Project Changes

Artists will be notified on the status of their proposal within four (4) weeks of the application receipt date. Successful applicants will then have two (2) weeks to return a signed grant agreement and any additional required materials. Grant checks will be issued and sent directly to the artist. 

Final report forms must be submitted within 30 days of the conclusion of the funded project.  If an artist fails to submit a final report at the conclusion of a funded project, the artist will not be eligible for future support from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation or PennPAT.  This ineligibility includes PennPAT Presenter Fee Support and New Directions grants as well as Artist Technical Assistance and Strategic Opportunity Grants.

Grantees must notify PennPAT immediately, in writing, of any changes to the program design, scope or timing of a funded project. Changes must be approved by PennPAT before being implemented.

Credit

All promotional materials and public notices relating to the funded project should credit the PennPAT program in the following manner: This project is partially supported by a grant from Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, a program developed and funded by The Heinz Endowments; the William Penn Foundation; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency; and The Pew Charitable Trusts; and administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. Failure to provide proper credit may jeopardize future PennPAT and MAAF funding.