Rocket Grants 2013-2014 Call for Proposals

Rocket Grants are designed to fuel a dynamic Kansas City regional art ecology by providing direct support for innovative, experimental, artist-driven, and artist-centered projects. These grants receive support from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and are developed and implemented through a partnership between the Charlotte Street Foundation in Kansas City, MO and the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS.

Rocket Grants fund projects that happen in surprising places, are visually engaging and involve any media or practices, challenge mainstream methods of thinking, making or presenting, add energy and diversity to the regional arts ecology, and encourage the development of new kinds of audiences. The proposed work may address and provide creative growth for either regional artists in venues appropriate for the work, or the general public or specific communities in carefully chosen venues outside of established institutions, arts venues or districts. Artists, curators, collectives, collaboratives, partnerships, and artist-run spaces residing within an 80-mile radius of the Kansas City metropolitan area are eligible to apply. Rocket Grants are not available for non-profit 501(c)3 organizations or for current or recently graduated students. Proposals that bridge geographic or cultural communities are strongly encouraged.

The 2013-2014 program provides $46,000 total in grants. Cash grants of $6,000 each support the creation and presentation of new work or projects by area artists, performers, curators, and writers as individuals or groups. Cash grants of $2,000 each support research and development for ambitious new projects requiring longer planning periods. Applicants will be considered for both levels of funding unless they elect not to be considered for the smaller award. Supported projects may include visual art, performance, film screenings, video, new media, writing, programming, social practice and interdisciplinary projects. All work should include a compelling visual component. Work samples must include a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 images, with up to 3 audio files and up to 3 video files (total samples between 5 and 13). Applications close March 26, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Selected finalists must present their proposals at the Selection Panel meeting in Kansas City on April 26, 2013.