State Arts Resources

This category is designed to support mature arts organizations that, over time, have produced consistently strong arts programs and services and demonstrated strong management and financial accountability. State Arts Resources organizations typically excel at providing one or more of the following:

• High-quality programming to a regional service area
• Innovative new work in an art form
• Model programs that set standards of excellence for the state
• Appropriate and competitive fees to artists for services
• Opportunities to experience and engage with strong artwork and programs otherwise unavailable within the region 

State Arts Resources have at least one full-time paid staff member and have an established operating budget of more than $150,000. Colleges, universities, and local arts councils are not eligible to apply in this category.

DESCRIPTION

Funds are provided to support the ongoing artistic and administrative functions of arts organizations. Fundable expenses may include, but are not limited to, salaries, artists’ fees, production, travel, promotion, postage, telephone, and facility operation. Grant amounts generally range from $15,000 to $85,000, are based on the organization’s application rating, operating budget size, and Arts Council funding history, and may not exceed 10 percent of the organization’s cash operating expenses, averaged over the past three years. Organizations that have a recurring line item in the legislative budget have restricted access to State Arts Resources grants and should call Arts Council staff before applying. 

Grant funds must be spent between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. 

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Each full State Arts Resources application is reviewed and rated by one of the Arts Council’s review panels based on the following evaluation criteria. 

Artistic Quality

• Programs are recognized for high artistic quality.
• Appropriate payment of fees and other services are provided to artists and arts professionals.
• Programs reflect a coherent artistic vision and explore improvement and innovation within the context of the organization’s mission, purpose, and environment.

Education and Outreach

• Programs are well attended and engage audiences and participants from a regional service area or greater.
• Outreach activities, educational programs, publications, and/or interpretive materials are provided to broaden, deepen, and diversify audiences and increase life-long learning through the arts.
• Programs are provided that involve racially and culturally diverse artists and participants.
• Efforts are made to make programs accessible to those who have limited arts opportunities due to educational, geographic, ethnic, or economic constraints.
• Audience development and marketing strategies demonstrate intentionality and creativity in reaching new audiences. Web site is informative, easy to navigate, and visually engaging; organization uses social media effectively.

Organizational Strength

• Organization demonstrates stability through effective board and staff leadership, sound administrative practices, and long-range planning.
• Organization models fiscal responsibility through prudent budget management, diversified fundraising efforts, and achievable strategies for long-term growth and sustainability.
• Organization demonstrates a commitment to racial and cultural equity in its governance, administration, and programming.

Regional and Statewide Service

• Organization contributes to the local, regional, and state economy by creating jobs, promoting cultural tourism, and playing an active role in the economic development of its community. 
• Organization serves a regional or statewide audience by attracting visitors and participants from beyond its home county, sharing resources and programs in the surrounding counties, creating partnerships with arts and other organizations in its area, and participating in advocacy activities, both locally and at the state level. 

HOW TO APPLY

Organizations submit a full State Arts Resources application every three years. In the off years of the three-year cycle, organizations submit an update application, unless notified otherwise by staff. The application will be available online on January 7, 2020. Applicants will submit the form electronically through the GO Smart portal (https://ncarts.gosmart.org). The 2020-21 deadline is Monday, March 2, 2020. 

State Arts Resources organizations can apply for the following for the March 2, 2020, deadline (unless otherwise advised by staff):

1. SAR Full Application (Arts-in-Education, Dance, Music, and Traditional Arts)
2. SAR Update Application (Multi-Arts, Presenting, Theater, and Visual Arts)
3. SAR Rural Touring and Outreach (All disciplines are eligible to apply)

STAFF CONTACTS