Can I get financial assistance to bring my art?

Probably. Apogaea is a place to share radical self-expression and artistic creativity with the community. While currency is removed from the event itself, the reality remains that it takes cash to help creativity happen. The apogaea Board helps seed the event with artistic expression through the fair distribution of art grants. We want to encourage your creativity even if you don’t think of yourself as an “artist”. So, if you need some financial assistance to make your creative idea become a reality, we are here to help.

What kinds of art does Apo fund?

We fund any type of powerful and unique art. This includes but is not limited to sculpture, theme camps, sound, performance, workshops, and mutant vehicles.

The Grants

In order to accommodate projects of differing sizes and incubation periods we have three rounds of granting opportunities.

      Effigy Grant

• $3000 maximum grant amount including possibilities for Apo to pay for work space lease.
• Effigy grant submission opens 9 December 2011
• Last grant application accepted at midnight on 4 January 2012

 
      First Round Grants

• $18,500 total grant amount (usually $200-$1500 per project)
• 1st Round grant submission opens 9 December 2011
• Last grant application accepted at midnight on 26 January 2012

 
      Second Round Grants

• Maximum limit of $300 per project
• 2nd Round grant submission opens 1 February 2012
• Last grant application accepted at midnight on 25 February 2012

What are the criteria under which the grant application is evaluated?

We evaluate each application based on concepts such as:

• Is the idea presented appealing and will it engage the community?  Does it inspire reflection upon self, community and environment? Does it challenge traditional perspectives, methods and applications?
• Can the project withstand a population of over 1,000 men, women and children?  Are there safeguards in place for user “error”? Is the project protected from theft or damage? Are there any health hazards or danger to the environment?  Does it include plans to be properly lit at night so no one damages it or injures themselves on it?
• Does the project adhere to our Leave No Trace ethic and will it work well within the pristine venue we call home?  We do not support MOOP.
• Do the artists’ ideas seem realistic and well-thought-out enough for a volunteer crew to fully realize the project?  Is the budget realistic?  How vested is the artist in completing the project?
• Is the application sincere with all questions answered thoroughly?

Aspects such as interactivity, community inspiration, and relation to the Apogaea theme are encouraged but not mandatory.

Who awards art grants?

The grant process is run by the Apogaea Art Committee, a cross-section of volunteers from the community. Members of the committee provide impartial and critical consideration to each proposal. We encourage lively deliberation until we find consensus on what best serves the community attending Apogaea.

We’re looking for fresh perspectives so, if you’d like to be on the committee, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required.

How does the grant process work?

• Artists fill out an application on callforentry.org including a detailed budget in a spreadsheet.
• When an application is received, the artist will be assigned an art committee liaison who will work with the artist to answer questions about the project and ensure that the application is complete.
• Applications will be reviewed by the Art Committee. Committee members will vote on applications, though members will be required to abstain from voting where there is a conflict of interest.
• The committee will decide if the project will be funded and what dollar amount to award.
• Contracts will be sent to each grant recipient.
• After the contract is signed and returned to the Apogaea Treasurer, a check will be mailed to the recipient in the amount of the grant.
• The liaison will continue to work with the funded artist through the construction phase and right up to the event to answer questions, give advice, and help find resources and support to ensure that the project is completed and at the event.
• Grantees will be required to save all receipts then provide them to Apogaea.

Projects may also be subject to other special requirements made by the county, local authorities, the landowner, and Apogaea.  This may include but is not limited to fire bans, large scale sound authorization, and mutant vehicle permits.

What types of things does the committee typically fund?

• Raw materials necessary to the construction or exhibition of the art; things like wood, metal, fabric, nails, screws, bolts, nuts, washers, paint, wire, cable, tubing, stakes, fasteners, glue, and decorative items
• Consumable items that are depleted during the construction or exhibition of the art; things like sandpaper, saw blades, drill bits, and paint brushes.

What types of things does the committee typically not fund?

• Artists’ time, labor, or transportation costs
• Art that’s already been built or previously funded, unless it contains considerable enhancements
• Tools, although we’ll try to help you find one to borrow
• Generator or other equipment rental
• Food or beverages, unless the applicant has liability insurance and a Colorado permit for food vending; Alcohol is never funded
• Art not being shown at Apogaea (e.g. going to Burning Man or another festival)
• Tickets to the event

I have a great idea for an art project but it requires funding for things that the committee typically doesn’t fund. Can I still get a grant?

Submit a grant application outlining your idea.  If we feel that it enhances the event, we might agree to fund it.

How exact does my budget need to be?

A more complete and exact budget shows the committee that your project is well-thought out and researched. You might want to visit art supply or hardware stores 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 of the elements needed and research on costs.

How much funding can I get?

In the past, artists have been awarded grants between $50 and $2,000. The exact amount depends on your budget, the scope of your project, and how the Art Committee feels about the feasibility of and community interest in your project.

Will I get all the funding I ask for?

We try to fund as many artists as we can and every year the total requested is greater than the budget. Some applications may be denied while others will not receive everything they ask for. Many artists supplement their grant by charging camp dues and holding fund raisers such as Kickstarter.com.

Can I get a grant if I’ve never done an art project before or never been to Apogaea?

Of course!  We welcome new members and artists to the Apogaea community.  And while the application asks for a description of “accomplishments,” having completed a project before is not a requirement. We’d just like assurance that you’re capable of delivering your project as described. List your skills and tell us why you’ll be able to complete your project.

Can I bring artwork to Apogaea even if I don’t get a grant?

Hell yeah! Apogaea is a participatory environment – participate, don’t spectate. Whether it’s spontaneous haiku readings or an incredible costume you’ve put together, please bring your artwork to share with the community.  Apogaea is all about creativity and participation.

Are there special requirements?

We encourage freedom of expression in how you present your project to the committee, but you must answer each of the grant application questions with enough sincerity to assure us that we are investing in a viable project. Humor is appreciated but please humor us with some confidence in the scope of your project as well as your ability to complete it and get it to the event.

Late Applications

The Art Committee will not consider any late applications. To be safe, do not wait until the last minute to submit your application. Another advantage to early application is that your liaison can work with you to resolve any questions about your application before grants are awarded.

Incomplete Applications

Incomplete applications will not be considered.  If you don’t answer all of the questions or provide an itemized budget, it’s difficult for us to consider your project. The application process also includes working with your liaison. Failure to communicate with your liaison makes us question your commitment to Apogaea.

Artist Expectations

Artists are required to sign a contract that includes but is not limited to the following. Artists are expected to have their art set up no later than noon on the first day of the event.  The land may be available starting the weekend before the event for early set up or to drop-off of materials.  Artists that do not fulfill their obligations will be required to return their grant funds to Apogaea. Artists are required to submit all receipts as proof of proper spending of grant funds.

How to Apply for a Grant

You can apply for an art grant on callforentry.org, also called CaFE. You will need to register in order to log in.  If you’re already registered, just log in with your username and password.  Use the tabbed menu to navigate between pages:  Manage Images, Apply to Calls, Checkout.

1. To apply, click on “Apply to Calls” then search for “Apogaea, Inc: The Spiral”.

2. Answer all of the questions to the best of your ability.

3. Upload any support material you want to submit. We’d love to see your ideas including as images, audio and video files! For details on this, see this help page.

4. Click “Save” periodically while you answer questions.  CaFE will time out after about 30 minutes, but you won’t lose anything that’s been saved. If you save your work, you can come back later to finish it.

5. To finalize your entry, click on “Checkout.”  There is no fee related to the entry, but you still need to checkout.

If you have questions about the process, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required

Did you know…

      In 2011:

• There were 29 grant applicants in the 1st round and 19 in the 2nd round requesting a total of $103,488.
• 28 artists were granted a total of $17,500.
• Another $2000 was granted for that incredible effigy.

      In 2010:

• There were 13 grant applicants in the 1st round and 18 in the 2nd round requesting a total of $23,250.
• 40 artists were granted a total of $13,535.

      In 2009:

• There were 19 grant applicants in the 1st round and 14 in the 2nd round requesting a total of $20,885.
• 32 artists were granted a total of $9,932.

      In 2008:

• There were 34 grant applicants requesting a total of $24,000.
• 24 artists were granted a total of $9,500.

      In 2007:

• There were 31 grant applicants requesting a total of $22,285.
• 21 artists were granted a total of $7,500.

      In 2006:

• There were 15 grant applicants.
• 14 artists were granted a total of $4,000.