Local opportunity: grant workshop

For writers & other artists in Indiana: the deadline for 2008-2009 Individual Artist Grant applications is quickly approaching! The Bloomington Area Arts Council is once again sponsoring a workshop in which representatives from the Indiana Arts Commission will be talking about how to put together a good application. I attended this workshop last year as a prospective grant applicant and it was super helpful; this year, I'll be attending to share a little bit about my experiences as a current grant recipient. I think I have some good advice to share, especially some of what I learned when I attended the panel that reviewed the applications in literature. The workshop is scheduled for this coming Thursday, January 10, at 5:30. Here are the details from the BAAC:

Bloomington, IN- The Bloomington Area Arts Council and members of the Indiana Arts Commission are hosting a grant information workshop for individual artists interested in enhancing and developing their careers. The Individual Artist Project grant program supports individual artists, of all disciplines, for specific project-related costs incurred July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Eligible projects are purposely left flexible to respond to artists' ideas, dreams, and needs, however, the goal is to aid the artist's career development.

Minimum eligibility requirements to apply include that the artist: must be at least 18 years of age; resided in Indiana for one year preceding the application date, and remain an Indiana resident for the duration of the grant period. The Indiana Arts Commission cannot provide funding for those enrolled in a degree- granting program, received an IAC grant in FY 2008; or is part of a collaboration for which another artist is applying for IAC support in the same year.

The grant information workshop will be held on Thursday January 10, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the Rose Firebay at the John Waldron Arts Center, 122 South Walnut Street, Bloomington. Reservations are not required, but they are appreciated. Please call (812) 334-3100 to reserve your spot.

In other news, my stupid cold continues to hang on, but at least the weather is getting better -- after lows of 2-4 degrees on several mornings this week, this weekend it's predicted to hit SIXTY degrees. Wacky, truly wacky.