CA CA Grant Writing & Arts Funding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a well-known private foundation providing visual arts grants to US-based artists?
- Pollock-Krasner Foundation (Correct answer)
- Fulbright Program
- National Science Foundation
- MacArthur Foundation Fellows Program (general fellowship only)
Correct answer: Pollock-Krasner Foundation
The Pollock-Krasner Foundation specifically provides financial grants to working visual artists in need of support.
Question 2: A 'project narrative' in an arts grant application should be written in what perspective and tense?
- First person, future tense describing what will be accomplished (Correct answer)
- Third person, past tense describing past achievements
- Second person, present tense addressing the reviewers
- Passive voice only to appear objective
Correct answer: First person, future tense describing what will be accomplished
Grant narratives are typically written in first person, future tense to clearly describe the artist's intentions and planned outcomes.
Question 3: When a US grant requires a 'project timeline,' what is the most important element to include?
- Specific milestones with dates that show the project is achievable within the grant period (Correct answer)
- A general description of the artistic process without dates
- Artwork titles and dimensions
- A list of all exhibitions attended in the past year
Correct answer: Specific milestones with dates that show the project is achievable within the grant period
Reviewers use timelines to verify project feasibility and accountability, so specific dated milestones are essential.
Question 4: Which US state arts agency funding mechanism typically allows artists to apply directly (not through an organization)?
- Individual Artist Grants or Fellowships offered by state arts councils (Correct answer)
- Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
- Section 501(c)(3) organizational grants
- Federal pass-through formula grants
Correct answer: Individual Artist Grants or Fellowships offered by state arts councils
Most US state arts councils offer individual artist grants or fellowships specifically designed for solo applicants without nonprofit sponsorship.
Question 5: The 'evaluation criteria' section of a grant application typically asks an artist to describe:
- How project success will be measured and what outcomes will demonstrate impact (Correct answer)
- The artist's personal income for tax purposes
- The number of Instagram followers as proof of reach
- Gallery square footage available for the project
Correct answer: How project success will be measured and what outcomes will demonstrate impact
Funders require measurable outcomes and success metrics to assess the grant's impact and hold recipients accountable.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'Letters of Support' attachment in a US arts grant application?
- To demonstrate community endorsement, partnerships, and the project's broader relevance (Correct answer)
- To replace the artist's resume
- To verify the artist's tax-exempt status
- To show bank account balance for financial need
Correct answer: To demonstrate community endorsement, partnerships, and the project's broader relevance
Support letters from community partners, venues, or collaborators validate the project's credibility and demonstrate stakeholder investment.
CA CA Grant Writing & Arts Funding 2
Which of the following is a well-known private foundation providing visual arts grants to US-based artists?