Allied Arts has launched a new initiative to better serve individual artists. Beginning in 2005, individual artists will now be able to apply directly to Allied Arts for financial support.
The Individual Artist program (IA) supports the creative work of Greater Chattanooga’s individual artists, recognizes excellence and accomplishment in their works, and acknowledges the important role artists play in contributing to the Greater Chattanooga area’s quality of life, said officials.
The program defines artists as those individuals who, whether by education, experience, or natural talent, engage in a particular art form or discipline that provides an artistic service to the community. Because of this participation, they may or may not be compensated for their service.
“Like never before, Allied Arts is reaching out to individual artists, and is recognizing the importance of their contributions to our community,” says Laurie Shipley, director of marketing and community relations at Allied Arts. She adds, “In prior years, only
501(c)(3), non-profit organizations were eligible grantees. Now, any artist, in any discipline can apply.”
Allied Arts Board President, Linda Chapin said, “The launch of an individual artist grant program marks a significant step in fulfilling mandates of Allied Arts’ strategic plan. More than ever, the arts are now truly available to everyone.”
The grant funding will generally range from $500 to $5,000. Request may be fully or partially funded, and applicants are not required to match the grant awarded. Any artist over the age of 18 who has actively participated in their artistic discipline is eligible to apply. The applicant must live within a 50 mile radius of Chattanooga; therefore, artists in North Georgia and Northeast Alabama are also eligible to apply. (A full-time undergraduate student enrolled in any arts degree program is not eligible).
An orientation meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 17, at 4 p.m. at Allied Arts (located at 406 Frazier Avenue in North Chattanooga). The application deadline is March 11. Allied Arts encourages all interested and eligible individual artists to attend the orientation meeting. The grant guidelines and application can be found on the Allied Arts website, www.alliedartschattanooga.org under the “Artist Services” icon. For additional information, contact Marilyn Harrison, 756-2787 ext. 11.