Rocket Grants 2016-2017 Call for Proposals

Rocket Grants are designed to fuel a dynamic Kansas City regional art ecology by providing direct support for public-facing, experimental, artist-driven, and artist-centered projects. Supported by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the grants 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 or presenting, add energy and diversity to the regional arts ecology, and encourage development of new kinds of audiences. Projects may address either other regional artists in appropriate venues, or the general public or specific communities in carefully chosen venues designed to introduce new and surprising experiences. Established arts institutions, venues or districts are excluded in almost every circumstance. 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. Awarded artists must remain resident for the entire period of their award. Rocket Grants are not available for non-profit 501c3 organizations or for current or recently graduated students. Proposals that bridge geographic or cultural communities are strongly encouraged.

The 2016-17 program provides $60,000 total in grants: Full project awards of up to $6,000 each to support creation and presentation of new work with a strong visual component; Research & Development awards of $2,000 each to support research and development for ambitious new projects; and Completion grants of $4,000 for individuals or groups who received a Research & Development Award and are completing their work. 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 sample requirements: 5-10 images, 0-3 audio files, 0-3 video files, with a total of 5-13 samples. Up to 2 applications per applicant are allowed. Final round applicants must present at the Selection Panel meeting in Kansas City on May 6, 2016. All projects must be complete by June 2, 2017.