Jason Rapp

    FEMA makes aid available for arts, cultural orgs

    Reimbursements for safe operating costs

    Per our friends at ArtsReady, FEMA is now providing retroactive reimbursement for safe opening and operation costs incurred to address COVID safety for expenses incurred from Jan. 20, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021.

    COVID-19 molecular structure image An image of COVID-19, courtesy of CDC Eligible private nonprofits can apply. Reimbursement is exclusive to COVID-19 emergency and major disaster declarations through FEMA’s Public Assistance program. Items that may be eligible for reimbursement include face coverings, Personal Protective Equipment, cleaning and disinfection, COVID-19 diagnostic testing, screening and temperature scanning and portable temporary physical barriers for social distancing.

    Jason Rapp

    Do you want to build a snowman?

    Study or research in Scandinavia during 2022/2023

    APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, November 1, 2021

    The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) announced that it is now accepting applications for fellowships  and grants for Americans to study in Scandinavia during the 2022-23 academic year.

    ASF offers both year-long fellowships of up to $23,000 and short-term (1-3 month) grants of up to $5,000 to graduate students (preferably dissertation-related) and academic professionals interested in pursuing research or creative arts projects in the Nordic region. Awards are made in all fields. For further information and to begin an online application, please click here. The announced deadline is Monday, Nov. 1, 2021.
     

    Jason Rapp

    Freeway Music School celebrates 10-year anniversary

    Freeway Music—Columbia’s locally owned, premier music school—is celebrating 10 years of bringing music lessons, programs and events to students across the Midlands region.

    Provided photo. Click to enlarge. Since opening its doors in 2011, Freeway Music has taught nearly 10,000 students through nearly half a million lessons, has donated more than $70,000 to local nonprofits, has given countless volunteer hours to the community and has collaborated with many partners to bring music to the region. From day one, Freeway Music has challenged its music schools and teachers to be innovative and responsive to the needs of their students. As a result of COVID-19, Freeway Music adapted its traditional in-person lessons and now offers the options for virtual lessons, showcases and recitals. Additionally, Freeway Music offers music lessons in participating Midlands area schools and through a long-standing partnership with The Columbia Children’s Theatre. “Freeway Music goes beyond your traditional music school,” Freeway Music co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Dan Russo said. “We are a hub for building deep relationships between teachers, students and the community — while staying focused on being innovative and adapting to the world around us. We use the power of music to develop and grow our students and ourselves.” Now with six locations throughout the greater Columbia metropolitan area and optional virtual lessons, what began as chance encounter by local musicians Russo and Tony Lee has flourished into the fastest growing music instruction school in South Carolina. Freeway Music offers private music lessons for all skill levels, styles and ages on a wide range of instruments, including piano, voice, ukulele, drums, bass, strings, woodwinds, horns, mandolin, banjo and more. “Adapting to virtual lessons and other programming has opened many doors for our students and teachers,” said co-founder Lee. “It’s allowed us to expand our way of teaching, as well as introduce new technology that gives us the capacity to teach anywhere in the world.”

    Homegrown talent rooted in the Midlands

    Freeway Music has been the catalyst for many of the region’s top music talent — many of which have gone on to pursue their musical careers on a national stage, from Neoni — the modern alternative pop rock and electronic band with over one million monthly listeners on Spotify — to Jonathan Wyndham, a top contender on The Voice in 2014, now turned independent singer, songwriter and producer with a number of singles on Spotify. Additionally, more than a dozen former students have graduated to becoming Freeway Music instructors — sharing their passion and love for music with others. “We could not be more proud to be Freeway Music alumni,” say Sydney Powell and Caitlin Powell of Neoni. “And to think it all began ten years ago in a lesson room, to music becoming our entire career—it’s truly amazing.”

    Giving back through music

    “Supporting our community is part of who we are — it’s embedded in the fabric of our DNA,” says Russo. “We’ve seen music transcend barriers, transform lives and unify people of all walks of life. An example of this in commitment was shown in 2016 when our instructors rallied together and played to raise money for a former cancer patient, who then recovered and became a Freeway student.” Over the past 10 years, Freeway Music has been making a positive mark on the community in countless way, including:
    • Donating nearly $60,000 to local charities through its co-partnership of the Freeway Music Festival, which unites the music community and celebrates local and regional talent.
    • Providing music scholarships to support youth who may not otherwise be able to afford music lessons.
    • Participating in fundraising and performances for many local nonprofits, including The Conner Foundation, Palmetto Children’s Hospital, Harvest Hope Food Bank, The Women’s Shelter, Pets Inc., Pawmetto Lifeline, Trustus Theatre, Girls Rock Columbia, the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, and the South Carolina Philharmonic, among others.
    • Supporting local schools with free lesson and performances, including Bethel-Hanberry Elementary, St. John Newman, Heathwood Hall, the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, Blythewood High School, Irmo High School, St. Andrews Middle School and many more.
    • Volunteering and supporting local events, including the Festival of Trees, Rooftop Rhythms, St. Pat's in Five Points Parade, Palmetto Christmas, the MG&C Long Run, the Heart and Sole Run, Get in the Pink Race, Vista Lights, First Thursdays on Main and more.

    Showcasing talent on the Big Stage

    Each season, Freeway Music presents music showcases that are free and open to the public at various large venues in the region. These showcases are crucial to students’ musical development and allows an opportunity for them to show off their skills in “real life” settings for an experience similar to professional music performances. Support local students and enjoy live music by attending a Freeway Music showcase this fall.
    • Downtown: Sunday, Sept. 26, 2-5 p.m., Tin Roof, 1022 Senate St., Columbia
    • Lexington: Sunday, Oct. 31, 2-4 p.m., Ice House Amphitheater, 107 W. Main St., Lexington
    • Northeast: Sunday, Nov. 21, 1-6 p.m., The Senate, 1022 Senate St, Columbia
    • Irmo: TBD. Check the Freeway Music calendar for updates on this showcase.
    For the latest on upcoming event dates and venues, visit https://freewaymusic.net/events/. To learn more about Freeway Music and register for classes with year-round enrollment at https://freewaymusic.net/.
    Founded in 2011, Freeway Music is the Columbia region’s premier music school with five locations in downtown Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, the Northeast, and within Sims Music. Freeway Music offers private lessons for all skill levels, styles, and ages on a wide range of instruments, including piano, voice, ukulele, drums, bass, strings, woodwinds, horns, mandolin, banjo, and more. Freeway Music’s mission is to equip students in music and life to make a positive impact in their community. Freeway Music is the exclusive music school partner of Sims Music, a locally owned and nationally recognized music store. For more information visit freewaymusic.net or call 844.537.7661.

    Jason Rapp

    Is your arts org at a crossroad?

    New toolkit available for handling transitions

    Intro webinar coming Thursday, Sept. 23

    Over the last year, many arts and cultural organizations have found themselves at a crossroads of some sort.

    Recognizing that arts leaders don’t always have the tools and information to weigh their options and make decisions in a proactive and thorough way, NCAPER has published The Arts Organizations at a Crossroads Toolkit: Managing Transitions and Preserving Assets, a free, online resource. The toolkit compiles guidance and material from highly regarded sources from across the country into a clear, easy-to-navigate web-based resource, now available at https://www.ncaper.org/general-4. Jan Newcomb, executive director of NCAPER, the National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response, said “The Arts Organizations at a Crossroads Toolkit was created to guide arts leaders through three significant transitions they are likely to face during their organization’s life: structural shifts; the loss of key staff/leadership; and recognizing that the artistic and physical assets they’ve created are worthy of protection and preservation.” Each of these ‘crossroads’ is addressed in a section of the toolkit: “The Performing Arts Readiness project continues to present a wide array of free webinars, including an introduction to The Arts Organizations at a Crossroads Toolkit on September 23,” said Tom Clareson, project director. “For arts leaders in all disciplines, these professional development opportunities present feasible and timely ways to ensure their organizations are more resilient, more prepared, and more sustainable.” Registration for the free webinar is now open. The Crossroads toolkit is written and developed by Mollie Quinlan-Hayes and published and produced by NCAPER with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts to South Arts, the administrative home of NCAPER, and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The toolkit joins NCAPER’s expanding library of resources. Recently, NCAPER published An Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief, for Arts Organizations and Businesses, Artists and Cultural Workers. The field guide was created to help demystify federal disaster relief for the arts and culture sector by helping artists and arts organizations see what’s available, understand clearly what isn’t available, and decide if pursuing federal aid is a good use of time. The top programs of use to artists and arts organizations have been selected for inclusion.

    About NCAPER

    The National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response/NCAPER, a voluntary task force of national, regional, state and local arts organizations, public agencies, and foundations the Coalition helps ensure that artists, arts/cultural organizations, cultural funders, and arts businesses have the capacity and ability to respond effectively to disasters and emergencies affecting the arts and culture sector. https://www.ncaper.org/

    About Performing Arts Readiness

    The Performing Arts Readiness project was formed in the recognition that performing arts organizations are especially vulnerable to disasters and emergencies which can halt performances, sometimes indefinitely, and can put an organization out of business overnight. The project includes outreach and community engagement efforts; information resources; “Circuit Rider” mentoring programs; and grants for emergency networks and emergency preparedness plans. https://performingartsreadiness.org/  

    Jason Rapp

    Grants Roundup: Deadlines for the Week of Sept. 20

    SCAC Deadlines and Coaching Opportunities

    Though not the only way, grants are among the main ways the SCAC accomplishes its work.

    Because of their importance to that, and what they mean to so many of you, The Hub wants to help keep Arts Commission grants top-of-mind and reduce the number of times we hear people say, "If only we'd known about (X or Y) grant!"

    We can't reach everybody, but we can try. On Mondays*, "Grants Roundup" highlights first what grants are due that week and then includes what's coming later in increments and then provide a rundown on open grant opportunities and upcoming grants coaching.

    *The Roundup might run on Tuesdays when state holidays occur on a Monday.

    SCAC Grant Deadlines

    The state of South Carolina and South Carolina Arts Commission fiscal year runs July 1-June 30 each year. We are currently in FY22.

    THIS WEEK

    These are to serve mainly as final reminders to finish in-progress applications. Most grant applications simply cannot be undertaken well in this short a time frame. Consult an appropriate member of our team with questions.

    • n/a

    NEXT WEEK

    • n/a

    NEXT 30(ish) DAYS

    OPEN ROLLING/MONTHLY DEADLINE GRANT APPLICATIONS

    These grants offer convenient deadlines, but you are advised to apply at least six weeks before your project for some. Always consult the guidelines for specific instructions.

    MORE OPEN GRANT APPLICATIONS

    *FY23 guidelines posted. Current grantee applications are available now. New applicants may apply for FY23 funding Nov. 1. The deadline for both is Dec. 13, 2021.

    Important Notes

    • Consult the SCAC grants page for up-to-date information on all grant deadlines (subject to change) and deadlines for non-grant programs.
    • Always read the grant guidelines in full.
    • For next steps, grant guidance, and more information, consult the appropriate member of our team if you are an artist or represent local organizations, an educational institution, or a non-arts business or organization offering arts programming.

    Grants Coaching

    Learn the ins and outs of the South Carolina Arts Commission grant application process and how to manage one of our grants from the professionals on the Grants Team! Grants Coaching topical sessions are held the first Thursday of every month. Up next is...

    • Thursday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.: Application Questions & Answers

    The free topical discussion is held via Zoom. Registration is required. Need to get some assistance with something else? Try a one-on-one call. The Grants Team is available to answer your questions about the grants process with 15- or 30-minute sessions, Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit the Grants Coaching page for further information and registration links.

    OPEN COACHING CALLS FOR ARTIST DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

    Artist Services Director Ce Scott-Fitts and the SCAC Grants Team are using Zoom to host open coaching calls on artist development grants to better enable artists to make competitive applications for our competitive grants. The sessions are free, but you must register in advance.

    APPLICANT COACHING CALLS

    SCAC program directors are hosts of periodic informational sessions using Zoom about currently-available grant opportunities. Each session reviews a grant's guidelines and application and includes a Q&A session. Sessions are free, but you must register in advance by visiting the link below to a grant's guidelines page.

    • Late October/Early November 2021: Operating Support New Applicants (registration TBA)

    Jason Rapp

    Technical director sought by Columbia City Ballet

    Immediate hire for looming season

    Columbia City Ballet is seeking a technical director for the 2021/2022 performance season.

    From the company: The ideal candidate will be proficient in all theatrical technical elements including scenic, carpentry, sound, lighting and projections, and stage management. A creative problem solver with at least 3 years of professional experience and capable of quickly troubleshooting technical theater elements and possessing exemplary organizational and communication skills.
    • This key position reports directly to the executive & artistic director and has responsibility for all technical needs and requirements including music, lighting, and scenic elements.
    • Coordinates technical requirements in all performance venues.
    • Supervises load-ins, strikes, and technical rehearsals.
    • Prepares and delivers all lighting, fly rail, and other designs in a timely manner.
    • Coordinates truck rental and other transportation needs.
    • Maintains, stores, repairs, transports, and controls inventory of all artistic collateral including but not limited to sets, scenery, and props.
    • Provides technical support for all public, community and promotional events including performances, technical rehearsals, galas, public appearances, demonstrations, and other events.
    • Works closely with the finance director on all purchasing, sourcing, budgetary, and expense related tasks.
    • Coordinates crew assignments with all performance venues and coordinates all tour logistics for sets, scenery, and technical crew members. Manages technical crew members and provides accurate payroll information to the office of the finance director. Reviews and provides technical guidance for tour and venue contracts.
    • Manages all rentals of sets, scenery, props, and costumes from our extensive collections including negotiating and executing rental agreements.
    A bachelor's degree or acceptable combination of education and professional experience is required. Salary is negotiable, commensurate with experience. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references to:
    Image by bigter choi from Pixabay

    Jason Rapp

    Call for exhibition proposals in North Charleston

    Park Circle Gallery wants to show your art

    SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Tuesday, November 30, 2021

    Established and emerging professional visual artists are invited to apply individually or with a group to exhibit at the Park Circle Gallery.

    The gallery aims to showcase artwork by regional and local artists in a variety of subjects and media. The city of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department manages the exhibitions in the space, which are rotated on a monthly basis and may feature two or more artists concurrently. Exhibits are programmed one year in advance according to fiscal year. A Review Panel will convene in December 2021 to evaluate and select exhibits for July 2022-June 2023. There is no fee to apply. Artists must apply online at http://northcharlestonculturalartsdepartment.slideroom.com by Tuesday, November 30, 2021, in order for their exhibition proposal to be considered. Park Circle Gallery (PCG), formerly known as the Olde Village Community Building, is North Charleston’s only art gallery. It is located at 4820 Jenkins Avenue in the bustling Park Circle neighborhood, adjacent to several restaurants, bars, breweries, and shops. Exhibits are open to the public Wednesday-Saturday and admission is free. Some details:
    • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
    • Only original, two-dimensional or three-dimensional pieces will be considered.
    • Submission requirements include an artist statement, resume and exhibition history, exhibition concept, and five quality digital images that portray the quality and style of the artists’ work.
    For additional information about PCG and other exhibition opportunities or to learn more about programs and services offered by the city of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, visit the Arts & Culture section of the city’s website at northcharleston.org, email culturalarts@northcharleston.org, or call 843.740.5854.

    Jason Rapp

    Free professional development opportunity for #SCartists

    Access online learning from top universities

    REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, September 20, 2021

    The South Carolina Arts Commission and Kadenze unveiled a new partnership this week to provide #SCartists valuable access to more than 3,000 hours of online learning from top universities worldwide.

    The partnership seeks to answer three questions #SCartists might have:
    • Do you find it difficult to access professional arts learning?
    • Are you a beginning, emerging, or mature artist or teaching artist?
    • Are you looking for personal and professional development to propel your arts career forward?
    Kadenze has an extensive catalog of fully online learning. Their goal is to teach the art and science of creativity at a price point that is affordable to everyone. To that end, the first 100 artists, teaching artists and arts administrators in South Carolina can register to be granted open and unrestricted access to the kadenze.com course catalogue free of charge for a three-month period. Extend your arts skills and knowledge by studying from more than 35 courses. Visit the partnership landing page to learn more and register today. The deadline to take advantage is coming soon: Monday, Sept. 20.

    Jason Rapp

    NEA announces grants for military-connected individuals

    Creative Forces partnership supports military, veteran communities

    The National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance, is pleased to announce the launch of a new grant program as part of Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network.

    The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grants will support arts engagement programming for military and veteran populations and family members, providing opportunities for creative expression and strengthening resilience. Creative Forces is an NEA initiative in partnership with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs which seeks to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers. The deadline to apply for these new grants is December 15, 2021. “This national grant program furthers the work of the NEA Creative Forces initiative in recognizing the important role that the arts can play in supporting our nation’s military and Veteran communities,” said Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough. “I was recently able to see first-hand the benefit of creative arts therapies in a Veterans’ hospital and I look forward to seeing how artists and community arts organizations will utilize creative arts programming to contribute to the health and well-being of their local military and Veterans, as well as their families and caregivers.” The Creative Forces Community Engagement grant programs will serve a broad military-connected population, including active-duty service members, guardsmen, reservists, veterans, military and veteran families, as well as caregivers and healthcare workers providing care for military service members and veterans. The aim of these grants is to expand programming into the community and address the distinct experiences, challenges, and strengths of military and veteran families, care providers, and veteran populations. Watch a short video about the grant program. “Our military service members and their families have sacrificed to protect and defend the freedom of our nation,” said Ann Eilers, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “The projects supported by this grant program will recognize that arts engagement can provide a powerful outlet for fostering community and personal connections. We are pleased to be working with Mid-America Arts Alliance to develop and manage this new program.” Creative Forces Community Engagement projects will require at least one partner; and be led by or include at least one organization with a history of creative or artistic programming. Partnerships among arts organizations and veteran and military service organizations are highly encouraged. Funding will support projects beginning on or after July 1, 2022. Awards of $10,000 - $50,000 will be available in two tiers:

    The emerging grant tier

    • Provides support for eligible organizations to develop and implement new or emerging nonclinical arts engagement programs for military-connected populations or for small organizations
    • Matching grant amount: up to $10,000 for one-year projects

    The advanced grant tier

    • Provides support for eligible organizations with established military-related non-clinical arts programming
    • Matching grant amounts: $10,000 - $25,000 for one-year projects or up to $50,000 for two-year projects
    "Through projects Mid-America Arts Alliance has funded and experienced in our region, we have seen the tremendous ability for the arts to make social connections and foster resiliency with members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families, among others," said Todd Stein, President and CEO of Mid-America Arts Alliance. "The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grants seek to promote creativity, health, and healing with military-connected populations across the country.” Mid-America Arts Alliance will host a webinar for potential applicants on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. In addition, research and resources are available in the online Creative Forces National Resource Center to support the practice of arts engagement with the military community. Resources for community arts providers include key findings on impacts and lessons learned from community arts engagement pilot projects funded by Creative Forces between 2018-2020, as well as information on serving military connected populations. For the complete guidelines and to apply for a Creative Forces Community Engagement grant, visit www.maaa.org/creativeforces.

    About the Creative Forces Initiative

    Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The initiative seeks to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers. Creative Forces is managed in partnership with Americans for the Arts, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, and Mid-America Arts Alliance. More information, including clinical-based activities and research, can be found at arts.gov/creativeforces.

    About the National Endowment for the Arts

    Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more.

    About Mid-America Arts Alliance

    Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) strengthens and supports artists, cultural organizations, and communities throughout our region and beyond. Additional information about M-AAA is available at https://www.maaa.org/.

    Jason Rapp

    Grants Roundup: Deadlines for the Week of Sept. 13

    SCAC Deadlines and Coaching Opportunities

    Though not the only way, grants are among the main ways the SCAC accomplishes its work.

    Because of their importance to that, and what they mean to so many of you, The Hub wants to help keep Arts Commission grants top-of-mind and reduce the number of times we hear people say, "If only we'd known about (X or Y) grant!"

    We can't reach everybody, but we can try. On Mondays*, "Grants Roundup" highlights first what grants are due that week and then includes what's coming later in increments and then provide a rundown on open grant opportunities and upcoming grants coaching.

    *The Roundup might run on Tuesdays when state holidays occur on a Monday.

    Ed. note: This post was updated at 14:47 ET Monday, 13 Sept. to reflect changes in availability of FY23 operating support funding.

    SCAC Grant Deadlines

    The state of South Carolina and South Carolina Arts Commission fiscal year runs July 1-June 30 each year. We are currently in FY22.

    THIS WEEK

    These are to serve mainly as final reminders to finish in-progress applications. Most grant applications simply cannot be undertaken well in this short a time frame. Consult an appropriate member of our team with questions.

    • n/a

    NEXT WEEK

    • n/a

    NEXT 30(ish) DAYS

    OPEN ROLLING/MONTHLY DEADLINE GRANT APPLICATIONS

    These grants offer convenient deadlines, but you are advised to apply at least six weeks before your project for some. Always consult the guidelines for specific instructions.

    MORE OPEN GRANT APPLICATIONS

    *FY23 guidelines posted. Current grantee applications are available now. New applicants may apply for FY23 funding Nov. 1. The deadline for both is Dec. 13, 2021.

    Important Notes

    • Consult the SCAC grants page for up-to-date information on all grant deadlines (subject to change) and deadlines for non-grant programs.
    • Always read the grant guidelines in full.
    • For next steps, grant guidance, and more information, consult the appropriate member of our team if you are an artist or represent local organizations, an educational institution, or a non-arts business or organization offering arts programming.

    Grants Coaching

    Learn the ins and outs of the South Carolina Arts Commission grant application process and how to manage one of our grants from the professionals on the Grants Team! Grants Coaching topical sessions are held the first Thursday of every month. Up next is...

    • Thursday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.: Application Questions & Answers

    The free topical discussion is held via Zoom. Registration is required. Need to get some assistance with something else? Try a one-on-one call. The Grants Team is available to answer your questions about the grants process with 15- or 30-minute sessions, Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit the Grants Coaching page for further information and registration links.

    OPEN COACHING CALLS FOR ARTIST DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

    Artist Services Director Ce Scott-Fitts and the SCAC Grants Team are using Zoom to host open coaching calls on artist development grants to better enable artists to make competitive applications for our competitive grants. The sessions are free, but you must register in advance.

    APPLICANT COACHING CALLS

    SCAC program directors are hosts of periodic informational sessions using Zoom about currently-available grant opportunities. Each session reviews a grant's guidelines and application and includes a Q&A session. Sessions are free, but you must register in advance by visiting the link below to a grant's guidelines page.

    • Late October/Early November 2021: Operating Support New Applicants (registration TBA)

    Load more