Chat #2­ February 25, 2004

Please note that this transcript has been edited. The order of questions and responses, and mistakes in spelling have been changed in some cases to clarify the  content of the online conversation.

Moderators from Creative Capital:

AskSeanAtCC

CreativeCapApp

AdamAtCC

A5V4E1C38: We were wondering what is the timeline.... if we were successful, how soon could we begin.

AskSeanAtCC: Projects cannot begin before the summer of 2005.

A5V4E1C38: If invited to submit a full proposal, how soon would we hear if we are successful?

AskSeanAtCC: Just before Christmas of 2004.

ToniAndT: Should a project be in progress or completely new?

AskSeanAtCC: A work in progress is ok.

Pipe: What is the most prevalent mistake applicants have made in the past while applying for their grants (aside from say, spelling mistakes or not being clear on intent)?  Is it fair to ask this?

AskSeanAtCC: Not reading the instructions, and lack of clarity.

FILMVERMONT: What do you mean by "clarity"?

CreativeCapApp: That your ideas are clearly communicated to an educated reader.

JmilanJ: If I'm in development now, but expect to be ready for production by Jan 2005, which stage would be best to put in the inquiry?

AdamAtCC: You should frame your letter of inquiry around the development of the project.

Pipe: Is there a specific range of specs that the projects you award grants to have?  I other words, are you looking for a project with a certain 'feel' or 'impact'?

AskSeanAtCC: Yes, as described in the guidelines. Also, look at the website for the funded projects.

sk  bowman: How do you have the collaborator 'sign' their portion of the application if they live in a different city.

AdamAtCC: Your signature is not required on the online application.

A5V4E1C38: Is it a good thing if we are writing multiple grants for various aspects of the same project? I mean different grantors for different aspects of the same project, ie: NEA, our local Arts Board?

AskSeanAtCC: Yes, that’s okay.

Barbaraann: Several FAQs refer to, "how project speaks to this cultural moment" This seems important, is it best to address this in the first project description?

AdamAtCC: Yes.

A5V4E1C38: Define cultural moment please?

AskSeanAtCC: How your work relates to the world we live in now.

Ebbtide: If I am in the midst of a project and seek funding to bring it to completion, is that acceptable? And would I then be in the production/post production stage?

AskSeanAtCC: That would be fine.

JmilanJ: My project would involve animation and painting, my career has been in animation, so that was how I would categorize the project?

AdamAtCC: Yes, animation.

Lecarton: If the proposed project is an outgrowth of the ideas I normally work with and my samples are not representative of the genre of the proposal, but the ideas and connections of the work are related, is that okay?

AskSeanAtCC: Perfect.

Ferrdo: I have a question about eligibility and the five-years-of-professional-experience requirement: I will have had five years of professional experience when the grants are given in January 2005 would I still qualify?

AskSeanAtCC: Not really, supposed to be at the time of submission.

Ebbtide: Does having a venue (i.e. potential for a traveling exhibit) help to acquire funding for the work?

CreativeCapApp: We are interested in projects that are feasible, so it would be a factor, but not a critical one at this stage. It is very early in development, so many projects will not have venues.

Laurcolv: I am not sure which visual category to apply to since my work is mixed media (photo, encaustic, drawing and installation).

AdamAtCC: You'd be applying in the Visual Arts category.

Ebbtide: mundane question: on the application, does the limited # of characters include spaces or only actual letters? Tough to edit so severely!

AdamAtCC: Letters and spaces. Be careful: the form fields won't cut you off, but responses must be limited to the listed number of characters.

A5V4E1C38: If we had too many characters (spaces) you would disregard our request?

AdamAtCC: No, it would just be cut off.

sk  bowman: How many applications do you anticipate?

AdamAtCC: Between 3,500 and 4,000.

A5V4E1C38: So you fund 2 percent, almost then.

AskSeanAtCC: Not even that, unfortunately.

Amyb: Can you discuss how we might define audience(s) for our work.  Do you mean 'contemporary art collectors'?

AskSeanAtCC: Could be, or an “art interested public”. But it is more about people interested in your ideas: interested in the content of your work.

Amyb: How might one define 'audience' in a public art project, let's say installed on a billboard or bus station?

AskSeanAtCC: The general public.

FILMVERMONT: My work sounds very similar to someone who already got a grant.  Is that bad, because it won't seem as innovative?

AdamAtCC: No, don't worry about it. Just make your case for your particular innovation.

Amyb: What type of info are you looking for from a professional reference?

AskSeanAtCC: Someone who knows you and your project.

FILMVERMONT: Does it help if the reference is a former cc grant recipient? Or well known?

AskSeanAtCC: It has more to do with how they can talk about your project.

FILMVERMONT: If I apply in film, and my reference is a writer or performance artist, not a filmmaker, is that ok?

CreativeCapApp: Sure.

FILMVERMONT: But is it better to have a filmmaker reference for any reason?

CreativeCapApp: Yes, it would because a film panel would be more likely to consider his or her stamp of approval valuable.

Amyb: Would you consider 5 years experience if it is broken up? Such as I have 15 years experience, I took a break for 5 years, and I've only got active within the past year again but don't have and  'evidence' other than work. That I've been active in the last year.

AdamAtCC: Yes.

Amyb: How might you define evidence, if one only exhibited recently, with past year, but had been working actively for over 15 years.

AskSeanAtCC: There should be some record of your involvement in the field. Shows, teaching, memberships and your reference person.

Veryredrose: What happens if we cannot contain our enthusiasm to begin our pieces, but later get the grant.  Can we use the grant monies to pay our expenses back?

AskSeanAtCC: We do not fund retroactively. We want to enter into the process and help the work to grow. So it’s best to apply with a project that allows for that.

Jennyfiler: What if you are from a dance organization although need funding to support film/video for project having to do with a biography/life story: are we able to apply?

AdamAtCC:  No, sorry. Not eligible.

sk  bowman: My assumption is Stage 2 would be visual documentation, slides, CD's etc., more complete budget etc?

CreativeCapApp: Correct.

barbaraann6: Is there one thing that you'd say is most important at the letter of inquiry stage?

AdamAtCC: Clarity. Interesting ideas, feasibility.

Varshrain: Maybe only the content is experimental and not the form... is that alright?

CreativeCapApp: Yes, but of course that will be up to the panel.

Pipe: Is it inappropriate for a proposal to be submitted that focuses on a major event that took place in the applicant's life?

AdamAtCC: It's not inappropriate. It's fine.

Amyb: Which category would be appropriate for me?  I want to propose a fine art video project that incorporates an LCD screen displaying video images into a still photograph, or that projects video onto a still photograph.

AdamAtCC: Visual Arts or Interdisciplinary.

Amyb: Also, what percent of grants go to unknown artists versus known artists? Is it worth it to apply if I am not established?

AdamAtCC: We encourage you to apply even if you're not "established."

Amyb: What % of grants are awarded to applicants through "Open Call for Inquiries" versus active solicitation and/or Recommendations?  I would think you would award mainly active solicitations or recommendations.

AskSeanAtCC: The vast majority through “Open Call for Inquiries".

Amyb: I thought there was an interdisciplinary category in both Visual Arts and Film/Video. Perhaps I misread it.

AskSeanAtCC: There is.

Rubyjoop: I am curious about how to determine an artist fee.

AskSeanAtCC: There are a couple of ways: an hourly fee or a project fee.  Figure how much time it will take to complete the project and then break it down into a reasonable hourly wage, or charge a fee for the whole project. That can range, but it generally seems fair to assume 15% to 25% of the total budget.

Laurcolv: I know I would be applying in the visual arts category, but my work does not fit in one of the options: painting, sculpture, works on paper, installation, photo-based work, etc.  How do you define interdisciplinary?

AskSeanAtCC: In your project description, you can tell us how your work can be considered interdisciplinary.

A5V4E1C38: How much turn around time would there be if one is invited to submit a full proposal... is it a month?

AdamAtCC: One month is right.

Jennyfiler: Can you explain experimental documentary?

AdamAtCC: It means innovative in content and form.

Lecarton: If I am proposing a project that is interdisciplinary (photo, drawing, sculpture, installation) and also have a web component, would the web piece fit into visual arts or new genres next year?

AskSeanAtCC: It could fit into both.

Jean M Mudge: My question got lost too:  does a hybrid video project (interdisciplinary, experimental, and educational) qualify?

AskSeanAtCC: Yes.

ToniAndT: Are you interested in seeing previous samples of films?

AskSeanAtCC: Not until the second round.

ToniAndT: Are endorsements by the public broadcasting station in your state helpful?

AdamAtCC: They are inconsequential in the letter of inquiry.

Gluskr: Hi, my question: The application review process takes   months. I am not now, but I will be 25 in 9 months. Therefore, may I apply now for the grant I may receive then?

AdamAtCC: No, you have to be 25 on the date of application.

Pipe: How broadly-based can the proposal be as far as ideas?  Does it have to be very specific as far as execution or can there be multiple ideas proposed at once?

AskSeanAtCC: Yes, There can be multiple ideas, but be clear.

Amyb: What would you consider to be Film/Video Installation?

AskSeanAtCC: A static installation that incorporates video or film.

Varshrain: My general project is:  A series of oil paintings exploring Nursing Infants from Ancient times to modernity.  Any suggestions in refining this general project topic?

AdamAtCC: No, that sounds clear. You might expand on why this is important to you and to others.

Veryredrose: When putting together our budgets, is it appropriate to pay ourselves?  Do you expect the artist to be able to make some money (God forbid) at this?

AdamAtCC: It's essential to pay yourselves.

sk  bowman: How many jurors are looking at the Letter of Inquiry.

AskSeanAtCC: At least 2.

barbaraann6: Are the letters of inquiry looked at by region?

AdamAtCC: No.

Rubyjoop: Is there a Creative Capital standard way of determining fees either per project or per hour?

AdamAtCC: No. It's up to you to determine the fees. But it's not something to worry about too much in the letter of inquiry stage.

ToniAndT: If you pay yourself below market value, can you count the balance as a match?

AdamAtCC: No.

Amyb: I'm still confused about which category to apply to. My project incorporates video into a still photography installation, so it therefore can fall under Visual Arts? and/or Film/Video installation? 

AskSeanAtCC: Sounds like Visual Arts.

Bexar: Where can I find the FAQ page about the inquiry form?

CreativeCapApp: http://apply.creative-capital.org/FAQ.html

Gluskr:  I have no connections with galleries or venues. Can Creative Capital help me establish those connections, or point me in those directions where I would be able to exhibit my work upon completion?

AskSeanAtCC: We may help facilitate that, yes.  But we tend to assist the artist’s efforts in that direction, not take the lead.

Jennyfiler: What exactly would you need to know from me so I know if we are an eligible org?

AdamAtCC: Organizations are not eligible. Only individual artists.

Pipe: Can we include a link to a website in our proposal / letter of inquiry that explains our project or would that be frowned upon (or just not taken into consideration)?

AskSeanAtCC: You may if you wish. It may not be looked at though.

Messengingisfunn: If I am proposing video with a web component I should apply to film/video and also Emerging Fields?

AskSeanAtCC: Yes, but if you get the grant this year, you can’t apply next year for the same (funded) project again.

Ebbtide: Is it better to tailor the budget to be closer to the low end versus the high end of the scale of the grants that Creative Capital awards? Does it influence the likelihood of one's application being awarded a grant?

AdamAtCC: Just tell us the actual budget. It won't influence the funding awards. The budget is not so relevant for the letter of inquiry.

ToniAndT:  Don't we have to apply through a certified non-profit organization?

AskSeanAtCC: This is for individuals only.

Varshrain: How important is the project taking an experimental approach to content and form?

CreativeCapApp: Very.

Varshrain: Is it better to ask for the minimum amount needed or maximum, because my project could fit in a broad range?

CreativeCapApp: Your best guess what it will actually cost.

Amyb: In what ways might CC help an artist grow and develop, in addition to providing money and promotion on your website?

CreativeCapApp: I suggest you visit the website for a more complete explanation of the Creative Capital artist services.

JmilanJ: Do you award all or none of the requested amount, or sometimes less?

AdamAtCC: Sometimes less.

A5V4E1C38: Do you like poetic language with the clarity and feasibility?

AskSeanAtCC: We love poetic language, but not in inquiry forms.

Lecarton: I am proposing a project that is vastly different in form from my current art practice.  If asked to submit work samples that are not representative of the type of work I'm proposing, will this "hurt" me?

AskSeanAtCC: It might if you don't explain the connection.

Amyb: How involved do you get for grantees?

CreativeCapApp: As involved as our time and budget will allow, and if the grantee wants our involvement.

FILMVERMONT: If my project has a particular political slant, as in anti-US government, will that count against me.

AskSeanAtCC: No. I suggest going to the website to see the projects we have funded.

Amyb: Can you help find exhibition space?

CreativeCapApp: Possibly, but we're more focused on helping the grantee do for themselves.

ToniAndT: Can you help with film distribution? To cable stations? educational institutions? other?

AskSeanAtCC: It is not something we have done in the past, no. But we might be able to help you do it for yourself.

A5V4E1C38: How could one have samples of what is front running, innovative and a new stretch for the artist?

AdamAtCC: You should submit samples of your past innovations.

Varshrain: If our style is fairly traditional, would you suggest amending it to be more experimental.

AskSeanAtCC: Traditional forms are fine for innovative ideas.

A5V4E1C38: What if the past work was not all that innovative, but very good and prolific? Or at least people thought that it was good and still do.

AdamAtCC: The panel will appreciate very good work, even if the innovation is only in an embryonic stage.

ToniAndT: What do you consider professional experience? Is it working in film or getting paid?

AskSeanAtCC: Evidence of working as a generative artist.

JmilanJ: I'm thinking that if I present as much info as possible in the space allowed, with a slant of piquing your interest enough to want to see samples of the work, that might be a good approach to making it to the 2nd round?

CreativeCapApp: Sounds good.

A5V4E1C38: We have been very active in doing school residencies, which has allowed rather conservative work.

AdamAtCC: I understand. We won't need to see samples until the second round, anyway. So I would say, go ahead with the LOI, and offer your ideas for innovation.

A5V4E1C38: I know that it is then, in the second round ­ will it count against us then, that is, when you have other panelists, right?

AdamAtCC: Well, there's really no way to predict the panel's assessment of your work. If it's not innovative, there's not much you can do about it. I think it's worth applying, however and let the panel decide for themselves. But innovation is the criteria. If you think your work won't meet it, you may want to seek other sources of support.

A5V4E1C38: But we are small rural communities, not big urban cities and what people are passionate about here, and what innovation is here is different than NYC.

CreativeCapApp: We're interested in the national cultural scene, definitely not just New York.

Pipe: How detailed can we be as far as a project's significance to us personally? Is there a cut-off point if it plays a major role, that is, in the project?

AdamAtCC: As detailed as you need to be to make it clear how it's relevant to the project.

ToniAndT:  I live in a VERY rural place, but I consider my work extremely innovative. I don't see why location would have any bearing.

AskSeanAtCC: It doesn't.

Amyb: What is the average $ amount of awarded grants? What is the $ range from lowest to highest?

CreativeCapApp: Between $5,000 and $20,000, average is $8,500 initial grant. That doesn’t include secondary (supplemental) funding.

FILMVERMONT: How many people applied for the last film grant, how many were awarded?

AdamAtCC: 20 awardees, approximately 1,000 apps. We expect an increase this year.

FILMVERMONT: Increase in applications, or in awards?

AdamAtCC: Increase in applications, not awards. We aren't sure what the increase will be.

Amyb: What is secondary granting?

AskSeanAtCC: We give supplemental funding to our grantees after the initial round of funding.

Pipe: Is there a cut-off time period for the time it takes to complete a project after a grant is awarded?

AdamAtCC: Normally we are with projects for three years, but that's an average, not fixed.

JmilanJ: How do you ordinarily contact the reference person, and how much do they need to understand about the project?

CreativeCapApp: They just need to be familiar with your work, and not too surprised by our call. We may not contact them at all: especially at inquiry phase.

JmilanJ: Familiar with my professional work, not necessarily this project?

CreativeCapApp: Project would help, but not essential.

Ebbtide: Does it help if our contact person is an established curator of a well-known public museum...or would it be treated equally to a lesser-known curator?

AskSeanAtCC: Shouldn't really matter.

Bexar: If I receive a grant that doesn't cover projected costs, can the project be scaled back to meet the amount given?

CreativeCapApp: Sure.

A5V4E1C38: If one is successful in round 2, how soon would $$$ be awarded and sent?

CreativeCapApp: Grants awarded in January of '05 for this cycle.