ArtsBuild and the Southeast Tennessee Development District will host an Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant workshop on Tuesday, June 16, at 9 a.m. (Eastern Time Zone). The orientation will be held at ArtsBuild, 406 Frazier Avenue in Chattanooga and will review guidelines and tips for applying for funds through this Tennessee Arts Commission grant program.
The ABC grant program is designed to provide support for arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, and enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural experiences. Non-profit organizations in are eligible to apply for matching grant awards that range from $500 to $2,000.
"ABC grants provide innovative arts experiences that are new or unfamiliar to community residents, and allow for the development of arts programming that strengthens social networks through community engagement," says Shannon Ford, director of community arts development for the Tennessee Arts Commission. "ABC grants also offer training for emerging artists and arts administrators to develop entrepreneurial skills or innovative strategies for building sustainability."
Applications must be submitted online through the Tennessee Arts Commission's eGrant system by 4:30 p.m. (CT) on July 1. The ABC online application can be accessed at www.tn.gov/arts. Once there, scroll over "Grants" on the left side of the home page, and click on the eGrant button to access the ABC application. Faxed, mailed, or hand delivered applications will not be accepted. Funded programs should be scheduled to take place between August 16, 2015 and June 15, 2016.
Prior to submitting an application, qualifying organizations should discuss the program or project proposal with their designated agency. Rodney Van Valkenburg at ArtsBuild will administer Hamilton County agencies. He can be reached at (423) 756-2787, ext. 13, or email: Rodney@artsbuild.com. Jenni Veal at the Southeast Tennessee Development District will administer grants for the nine counties of Southeast Tennessee (except Hamilton): Marion, Sequatchie, Grundy, Bledsoe, Bradley, Rhea, McMinn, Meigs and Polk counties. She can be reached at 423-424-4222 or email at jveal@sedev.org.