Art, Camps & Things

In this section, you will learn all about Art Installations, Theme Camps, Mutant Vehicles and all the other things that make Apogaea such a unique and rewarding experience to participate in. Use the links below to read up on the latest guidelines and to apply for a Creative Grant, or to register your Camp, Project, Workshop or Performance.

What are Musical Acts and other Performances?

Do you create music, spoken word, theater, or any other form of live performance? Are you looking for a stage from which to share your art? If you would like to apply to perform on a stage at Apogaea please email email hidden; JavaScript is required. If you’re planning a live performance and would like it to appear on the schedule, please register your event by emailing email hidden; JavaScript is required.

If you are considering bringing a stage or large scale sound system to the event, please be sure to register it as a theme camp as early as possible. There is a limited capacity for sound systems at the event, and sharing is highly encouraged.

If you have art you would like to have display at Apogaea that needs to be placed or have special consideration please email email hidden; JavaScript is required.

What are Workshops?

Do you have a passion you would like to share with others? Do you have a great depth of knowledge in an interesting field? Are you comfortable talking in front of a group of people? Conducting a workshop is a wonderful way to participate in the event. If you are interested in offering a workshop, please register it by emailing email hidden; JavaScript is required. Apogaea will work with you on coordinating, scheduling, and finding a suitable location to hold your workshop.

We will post information about 2010 Workshops as they become available. Stay tuned!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Apogaea grant money come from?
Each year’s grant funds are a portion of the previous year’s ticket income. Apogaea’s grant funds are a significant percentage of the Apogaea budget.

What types of projects are or aren’t funded?
All creative projects, including but not limited to: visual art, performing art, installations, vehicles, theme camps, and workshops will be considered for creative grants. However, certain restrictions on what the grants can be used for are listed below.

What things are or aren’t funded within a grant application?
We do not fund artists’ time or labor costs–Apogaea would like its artists to create for the love of the art and the joy of sharing with the community–not for profit. Generally, raw materials costs are covered; the purchase of tools, the rental of equipment, and transportation expenses are not. Other things for which Apogaea grants cannot be used: art that’s already been built or previously funded; art not being shown at Apogaea (e.g. going to Burning Man or another festival); payment for artists or performers to appear or perform; tickets to Apogaea.

How exact does my budget need to be?
A more complete and exact budget shows the judges that your project is well-thought through and researched. You might want to visit the arts supply or hardware store to estimate your costs. The budget does not need to be exact to the penny, but a budget asking for $500 for “general materials” will be less competitive than one that shows careful consideration and research.

I’ve never done an art project before–can I still get a grant?
Of course! While the application asks for a description of “accomplishments” having done a project before is not a requirement. We’d just like assurance that you’ll be capable of delivering your project as described. List your skills and tell us why you’ll be able to complete your project.

I’ve never been to Apogaea before–can I still get a grant?
Of course–we welcome new members and artists to the Apogaea community.

I’m doing a performance piece–can I still get funding?
Grant funds are generally used for materials, and cannot be used to pay salaries or personal funding. We can offer grant funds to purchase materials that would be necessary to put on your performance, but not money to pay your rent while you develop your awesome play. The Creative Committee requires artists save and submit all receipts to provide proof of proper spending of grant funds.

How much can I get?
In the past, artists have been awarded grants between $50 and $1,500. The exact amount depends on your budget, the scope of your project, and how the Creative Committee feels about the feasibility of your project.

Will I get all the funding I ask for?
While we try to fund as many qualified applications as we can, every year the total budgets requested outnumber the funds available. Some applications may be denied, while most will not receive everything they ask for. The Creative Committee also feels that artists paying a portion of the project’s budget with their own funds means they have more of a stake in completing the project.

What if I get my application in late?
Because of the number of applications received every year, the Creative Committee must be strict with application deadlines. To be safe, do not wait until the last minute to submit your application. You may also request a confirmation of receipt to be sure it’s been received. An advantage to early application is that your Creative Committee liaison can work with you to resolve any questions about your application before the judging.

What can the Creative Committee liaison do for me?
Artists’ liaisons are there to answer questions, give advice, and serve as a link between the artist and Apogaea and the Apogaea community. When you first apply, they can review your application and offer suggestions if any area seems unclear.

How are the applications judged?
When applications are received, the artist will be assigned a Creative Committee liaison who will work with the artist if there are questions about the project or if the application seems incomplete. Applications received by the deadline will be reviewed and scored by the members of the Creative Committee. Members of the committee with distinct connections to projects or applying artists will abstain from voting on those applications.

Applications will be judged based on several criteria, including how the project fits with the Apogaea festival, will it leave no trace and be safe for participants, is the project feasible and the budget realistic, and how well-realized is the application. Aspects such as interactivity, community inspiration, and relation to the Apogaea 2010 theme (Artropolis) are attractive features but not mandatory.

The judges will decide on if the project will be funded, and secondly, what dollar amounts each grant winner will receive. The total amount given in the two grant cycles is set by the Apogaea Board–for 2010, this amount is $15,000.

How will I get my art piece to Apogaea?
Artists are encouraged to organize their own transportation of their project to the festival. There are many options: renting a vehicle, cooperating with other artists to jointly share a vehicle, asking the community for help in moving your piece, etc.. Apogaea may or may not have space for art projects in a truck carrying infrastructure, but this is not guaranteed. It’s better to be sure of your transportation yourself rather than hoping Apo will transport it for you.

What if my grant-funded project can’t make it to Apogaea?
The contract that each artist signs says that if the project does not substantially make it to Apogaea, the artist must return the funds.

Can I bring artwork to Apogaea even if I don’t get a grant?Oh, hell yes! Apogaea is a participatory environment–participate, don’t spectate. Whether it’s spontaneous haiku readings, an incredible costume you’ve put together, bringing your artwork for others to see, or any other creative endeavor, Apogaea is all about creativity, art, and participation. Creative grants are just Apogaea’s way of encouraging and assisting artists to bring ideas to fruition that they otherwise couldn’t.

FYI…

In 2009:

  • There were 19 grant applications in the first round and 14 in the second round, with requests totaling $20,885.
  • There were 32 granted recipients.
  • A total of $9,932 was granted to completed art projects

In 2008:

  • There were 34 grant applications totaling $24,000.
  • There were 24 granted recipients.
  • A total of $9,500 was granted.

In 2007:

  • There were 31 grant applications totaling $22,285.
  • There were 21 granted recipients.
  • A total of $7,500 was granted.

In 2006:

  • Grants ranged from $40 – $500.
  • There were a total of 15 applications of which 14 were granted funds.
  • A total of $4000 was granted.
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