Press Release: RACC seeks proposals for artistic projects in 2010

For immediate release   Contact: Mary Bauer, Communications Associate Regional Arts & Culture Council  |  www.racc.org 108 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR  97209-3318 503.823.5111  |  email: [email protected]

  Through vision, leadership and service, the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) works to integrate arts and culture in all aspects of community life. 

Regional Arts & Culture Council seeks proposals for artistic projects in 2010

Technical assistance is available to help artists and arts organizations submit strong proposals

June 30, 2009 – The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) invites nonprofit organizations and individual artists in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties to submit proposals for artistic projects and cultural events that are planned for calendar year 2010.  “Intent to Apply” forms must be submitted online through RACC’s website –www.racc.org/grants – before 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2009. 

For 14 years, RACC “Project Grants” have enhanced and supported a wide range of artistic activities throughout the Portland tri-county area (including Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties). To be eligible, projects must involve the creation or presentation of a performance, exhibit, or other work of art that is available to the general public.  Proposals must address ONE of the following objectives:

·       Artistic Focus: Projects that demonstrate high artistic quality, innovation, creativity in programming and artist selection, and demonstrated ability by the artist or organization.

·       Community Participation: Projects that support cultural and arts programs and services that involve direct community participation. The project should impact a variety of citizens in the RACC service area by helping to provide them with a greater sense of self, family, community and place.

A third category of Project Grants are for “Arts-in-Schools.” These applications will be available on August 27, 2009 with deadlines in October.

Non-profit organizations and individual artists are all welcome to apply, and RACC encourages submissions from new, emerging, and established artists alike.  All eligible proposals will be grouped by discipline and adjudicated by a panel of community volunteers with interest and experience in arts and culture programming.  Approximately $400,000 is available, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 each. 

Guidelines and other important materials – including a list of projects that were funded in 2009 – are available online at www.racc.org/grants. All applications must be submitted using RACC’s online grants system; RACC provides computer access and technical support for people who require assistance. RACC staff is also available by telephone and email to guide applicants through the process of submitting a competitive application.  First-time applicants should contact Helen Daltoso at 503.823.5402 or [email protected] for assistance. Returning applicants should contact Ingrid Carlson at 503.823.5417 or [email protected].

In addition to these one-on-one support opportunities, two free orientation sessions are being provided to help applicants better understand RACC Project Grant guidelines and application procedures.  These orientations will be held at RACC offices, 108 NW 9th, Room 202, Portland. Please call 503.823.5866 or email [email protected] to RSVP.

•          A free orientation for individual artists will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 3pm.

•          A free orientation for not-for-profit organizations will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at 3pm.

 “Intent to Apply” forms are due August 5, 2009 at 5:00pm. RACC staff will notify applicants as to whether their proposal meets the minimum eligibility requirements, and all final proposals must be submitted online by August 19, 2009 by 5:00pm.  Applicants submit copies of their proposal and supplemental materials by August 26, 2009.  Awards are announced by mid-December. For more information, please visit www.racc.org/grants.

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Mary Bauer

Communications Associate

Regional Arts & Culture Council

108 NW 9th Avenue, #300

Portland, OR 97209

503.823.5426

www.racc.org