What is the Art Meets Activism Grant?
The Art Meets Activism (AMA) program supports feminist artists and organizations in actively engaging individuals and communities in the development, creation or implementation of art activities that are directly focused on progressive social change in Kentucky. Art Meets Activism applicants should demonstrate a commitment to community involvement and be able to illustrate that they have a concrete plan to accomplish social change. Applicants may request funds for a range of activities including: arts education programs focused on women or girls, community participation in the creation of new art forms, community-based projects involving new partnerships between artists and activists, and arts-based community projects with social change themes or content.
Applicants the AMA grant program, like the AE grant program, should show high artistic quality in the work sample, and should be able to demonstrate their commitment to feminism and their understanding of the relationship between art and social change. Both grant programs are arts-based and feminist in nature.
Examples of awarded Art Meets Activism grants
A visual artist in Kettle provides workshops for women in abuse centers in south central Kentucky to journal about their lives and create personal paintings, offering an opportunity for reflection and visual expression of their thoughts and feelings, which will build self-esteem and will encourage participants to see themselves in a new light and to imagine a new life.
A writer in Danville and community activist distributes booklets and publishes a “town hall meeting” style community performance script to educate women and provide preventative strategies against domestic violence.
A poet in Campbellsville and activist presents writing workshops for working class rural women in central Kentucky, distributes a poetry newsletter to rural Kentucky women without internet access, and publishes the writings of workshop participants.
A community organization in Appalachia presents a variety of arts-based workshops and classes, information, and physical activity that will enable women to improve their health.
A flamenco dancer in Louisville presents summer workshops in flamenco dance for girls ages 12-15, to teach a healthy connection to their bodies, and develop their self-confidence as they learn to express and appreciate themselves.
Who can apply?
Individual artists and arts organizations based in Kentucky may apply. For the purposes of this grant, individual artists must be creating strong or highly original artwork, and organizations must be engaging in arts-based activities. KFW is committed to making the grant program accessible to a wide range of women regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical disability, educational level, economic condition, or geographic origin.
Who reviews my application?
Independent artists and activists from a range of disciplines, including literary, visual, performing, and media arts recommend grant awards to the KFW Board of Directors. KFW staff do not make any funding decisions. More information about The KFW Grantmaking Process can be found in the Additional Information.
What criteria are used in the review process?
The reviewers assess the applications based on the following criteria:
1. Artwork in sample is strong, highly original, and reflects feminism and social change.
2. Application and work sample demonstrate applicant’s understanding and practice of feminism.
3. Application and work sample demonstrate a clear understanding of the relationship between art and social change.
4. Proposed activities will benefit women and/or girls in Kentucky.
5. Work plan, timeline, and budget are clear, detailed, and realistic.
6. Applicant’s ability to complete the proposed activities is clearly shown.
Note: When considering applications of equal merit, the KFW Board of Directors has asked reviewers to give priority to underrepresented demographic populations and first time applicants (applicants who have not received KFW funding).
How much money can I request?
Grants range from $ 1,000 to $7,500. Due to the number of strong applications received, KFW reviewers are rarely able to recommend full funding. The typical grant award is $3,000 to $5,000.
Eligibility Requirements
KFW does not fund business enterprises, for-profit organizations, tuition costs or living expenses while working toward a degree, promotion of religious doctrines, endowments or capital campaigns or renovations of institutional facilities, non art related expenses (i.e., overdue bills, taxes, etc.) work conducted by artists or organizations that have not resided in Kentucky for at least one year at the time of application, of Kentucky women and girls.
A Note About Archives
Duke University is the designated archive for all KFW records. After five years, the foundation forwards the files concerning funded grant proposals to the Rare Book Manuscripts and Special Collections Library at Duke University. All KFW records deposited at Duke are open to qualified researchers. By submitting this application, you waive any right to claim a privacy interest in the funded grant materials.
