Annual contemporary performance fund
Deadline: 17 October, 2012
Application fee: none
The MAP Fund is founded on the principle that experimentation drives human progress, no less in art than in science or medicine. MAP supports artists, ensembles, producers and presenters whose work in the disciplines of contemporary performance embodies this spirit of exploration and deep inquiry. MAP is particularly interested in supporting work that examines notions of cultural difference or "the other," be that in class, gender, generation, race, religion, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity.
MAP awards $1 million annually to up to 40 projects.
The key features of the program are:
An open submission policy: MAP welcomes applications from artists and organizations across the US. By keeping the gates wide open, we hope to discover the freshest ideas and practices in the field, thus continuously seeding new growth.
Panelists and evaluators who are committed to the Fund's ideals of experimentation and deep inquiry: MAP is adjudicated by artists and arts professionals who have demonstrated their own excellence of craft, leadership, and spirit of generosity to their peers. Their guiding role in MAP award selections allows the program to be nimble and responsive to movement in the field, establishing our credibility among applicants and thus encouraging artists to bring their best work forward.
A focus on the creative individual: The MAP application centers on the creative process and is designed to let the peer panel hear directly from artists. Core components are the artist's personally written statement of purpose, biography, and work samples.
An appreciation of the artist's process: The MAP Fund's allowable costs are designed to emphasize process. They include residency costs, research and development expenses, workshop performances, and artist travel and commissioning fees.
A national presence: MAP believes that inclusivity is critical to the health of the field and is committed to welcoming applications from every state and region in the country.
Awareness of career sustainability issues: In addition to the monetary award, MAP grantees receive training in professional development and strategic planning skills free of cost from the Creative Capital Professional Development Program.
Proposals are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria, which are weighed equally:
How well a project aligns with the MAP Fund's goal of supporting experimentation and innovation in all traditions and disciplines of live performance, especially work that brings insight to the issue of cultural difference, be that in class, gender, generation, race, religion, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity
The artistic strength of the proposed project
The viability of the project, based on the applicant's professional capabilities as demonstrated in the project narrative, bio and artist statement, and work samples.
Further Information
http://apply.mapfund.org//guidelines.php
