Can’t find your question?
Contact our Artist Initiatives Coordinator Cierra Rembert at cierra@spacescle.org
What do you mean by “artistic project"?
An artistic project is defined as a specific art presentation, creation of new work, produced program, event, or phase of a larger project that is fully executed within one year and made available to the public. This can include—but certainly is not limited to--the public presentation of or public access to painting, design, photography, film, video, sculpture, print, architecture, craft, and publication. Artists may request funding for the full artistic project, or one phase of a larger creative arc, as long as the project scope is appropriately scaled to the request amount and project goals. Musicians and other performers are invited to apply, as long as there is a primary visual element to the project.
How do you define a visual practice?
In addition to mediums such as drawing, illustration, painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, and similar, we are also open to artists practicing in film/video, new media, sound art, performance art and social practice as long as these can be documented in your application. We are open to innovation, experimentation, and risk-taking in the field and are supportive of diverse approaches to visual art making.
What do you mean by “public display”?
“Public display” refers to sites that are accessible to the public within Cuyahoga County, and which may include conventional art viewing spaces like artist studios (as long as there are open hours posted), sites for public artworks, businesses (cafes or restaurants), and commercial or non profit galleries. Unconventional sites may include abandoned storefronts, city infrastructure (bus shelters, streets, open spaces), signage (billboards), building facades or construction fences, with permissions and proper permitting granted. Proposed sites must be accessible to all members of the public, including individuals with disabilities. Most importantly, locations MUST BE displayed outside of SPACES as the purpose of the Satellite Fund is to get art into all corners of Cuyahoga County!
How long is the grant period?
The Satellite Fund grant period is one year from the date funds are awarded. This year artists will be awarded funding in July 2023, projects must be publicly displayed by July 2024.
What do you mean by collective?
A collective is defined here as “more than one person coming together to helm a proposed artistic project.” This could mean a group or arts individuals coming together. At least half of the team must work and live in Cuyahoga County in order to qualify. Applications will need a lead point of contact who lives in Cuyahoga County and is over the age of 21.
Are applicants required to have a confirmed display site or exhibition venue?
No, a confirmed venue is not a requirement in the application process, but applicants are asked to indicate the context for the display of the work. For example, let’s say an artist would like to create a bold text-based artwork to be displayed on a billboard. If the message is intended to reach a specific community, a successful proposal would include a map of potential billboards to rent in a neighborhood where those community members reside, as well as research into the cost of renting those billboards. If an artist needs a white cube gallery space, they should provide a list of potential exhibition sites. As with most open calls, the more information the artist provides, the easier it is for the review panel to envision how the project will materialize, if it satisfies the selection criteria, and if the project is feasible.
Can I include artist fees in my budget?
Yes, we expect and encourage artists to set aside a commission for their time and labor. However, please make sure the fee is in proportion to the total amount of the grant and that the majority of the funding goes to the creation and display of the project. An artists.collectives commission should not exceed 20% of the total grant award. This excluded contractor fees.
How much funding can I acquire + can I pursue funding from outside sources?
Each of the 10 selected projects will receive a full $6,000 grant, so shoot for the stars! Once selected, the artist(s) may pursue funding from outside sources (government funding agencies, foundations, individuals, and/or online funding platforms) if additional project funding is needed, and must provide full disclosure to SPACES of all additional project funding pursued by or paid to the artist(s). SPACES may produce any print, online, or other public acknowledgement of any funders of the artist(s) project. Artists are encouraged to seek additional funding for their Satellite Fund proposal, however, additional funding must go towards The Satellite Funded project. Funds from The Satellite Fund MAY NOT go towards another grant or project. For more information on what additional funding may be used, please contact the Artist Initiatives Coordinator.
What is the tax obligation if I receive a grant?
All monies received through a grant are usually considered taxable income. Awardees are advised to consult a tax professional for the most current information regarding obligations for taxable income.
Are there any reporting requirements for the grant?
Within 30 calendar days of project completion, artists must report on the following: (i) the project’s accomplishments (and any challenges); (ii) a description of public engagement around the project, including the number of audience members (if feasible); (iii) media coverage/marketing results + professional documentation from the public display; (iv) feedback on the Artists’ experience; and (v) expenditure of grant funds. Our Artist Initiatives Coordinator will be available to assist artists in completing their report.
Can I use funding towards equipment?
Yes, but only if the equipment is necessary for the creation of your proposed project, and the cost is in proportion to the total amount of the grant. The majority of your funding should go into the production of your project and its public display.
Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No. However, the lead organizer must have a social security number (SSN) in order to receive payment of the award. They must also live in Cuyahoga County.
How will the award payment be disbursed?
The award will be disbursed in two payments: 75% of which will be released upon receipt of the signed Artist Agreement. The remaining 25% will be released once the grantee delivers their final report. Awards CANNOT be split amongst collective members through SPACES. Funding will be dispersed by two checks, both made out to the lead artist only.
How are the applications selected?
All applications will be reviewed independently, and then in person, by a jury of three art professionals working within the Northeast Ohio region and two from outside the region; jurors will score applications based on each applicant’s ability to demonstrate how their proposed project will realize the materialization of creative or aesthetic ideas. Jurors will determine their scores based on the subjective categories of artistic quality and relevance, and will also consider objective criteria of project feasibility, accessibility, budget, and timeline. It is important to note that we instruct our jurors to take an expansive approach to considering aesthetics, quality, and relevance, which includes acknowledging Eurocentric standards that may influence their adjudication. Aligned with the SPACES mission of serving as the resource and public forum for artists who explore and experiment, The Satellite Fund emphasizes our dedication to artwork with strong conceptual grounding that expands the notions of conventional art and exhibition-making, as well as the boundaries of the applicant’s practice. Show us that this award will help you explore new ideas, methods of artistic production, and/or ways of experiencing art.