Organizations Invited to Apply for ABC Grants to Fund Arts Activities

TNArtsThe Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council invites organizations seeking funding for artistic and cultural projects that benefit the community to apply for an Arts Build Communities grant.

Arts Build Communities (ABC) is a program funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission and administered by the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council (AHDC) in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC). ABC grants offer financial support for arts projects in all disciplines such as dance, music, opera/musical theatre, theatre, visual arts, design arts, crafts, photography, media arts, literature, interdisciplinary and folk arts. Providing support for arts and cultural projects that positively impact communities across Tennessee, the grants are designed to help effect positive change in communities through the arts. Funding can be used for arts and cultural projects which address social issues; strengthen community engagement; target youth for after-school initiatives; enhance a community’s identity or brand; add value to tourism efforts; and encourage further economic development.

A free grant workshop and information session for interested applicants will be held at the Customs House Museum (200 S Second Street) in Clarksville on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. While attendance at the workshop is not mandatory, first-time applicants are strongly encouraged to attend.

Funds awarded to a single organization in this grant category range from $500 to $2,500. Eligible organizations in the counties of Cheatham, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson and Stewart can apply for these grant funds. In order to be eligible, applicants must be state-recognized, 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or government entities (including public schools and libraries) and must be able to provide a dollar-for-dollar match toward the single proposed project. In addition, the proposed project must occur between August 16, 2016, and June 15, 2017. Any organization currently receiving Major Cultural Institution, Cultural Education Partnership, or Partnership Support funding for FY2017 is not eligible to apply.

Applications must be submitted online through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s eGrant system by 4:30pm (CST) on July 1, 2016. Guidelines are available at http://tnartscommission.org/grants/arts-build-communities-grant-2/view-abc-grant-guidelines, and the application can be accessed via the eGrant system beginning at 8:00am on Friday, April 1. Faxed, mailed, or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.

A representative from the applying organization should be present at an open panel review beginning at 10:00am on Friday, August 5, 2016, at the Customs House Museum (200 S Second Street, Clarksville) to answer questions which may arise about the application or proposed project. Awards will then be announced in mid-August.

All events sponsored in part or entirely with ABC funds must be open to the general public. Community involvement is an important component in the planning and implementation of ABC projects. Since ABC awards are not restricted to arts organizations, this grant program brings the arts to a larger segment of the community through arts projects at public schools, libraries and other service organizations.