grants

Visiting Artist Program

Purpose:

Schools can apply to the Visiting Artist Program (VAP) to bring individual artists, groups of artists, or arts organizations into the school to provide students with direct personal contact with practicing professional artists. The program covers artist fees, materials, and travel costs. The program is offered in partnership with the Cultural Connections Strategy of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA), and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC).

Eligibility:

• A teacher at any school in the provincial K-12 system may apply.

• Each grade configuration (K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12) in a school can receive one VAP grant per school year, or a school can receive one VAP grant for every 150 students enrolled, to a maximum of four VAP grants per school year.

• Each visit must involve at least 10 students.

• Teachers or classes with current ArtsSmarts or Learning Through the Arts projects are not eligible for VAP funding.

Program funding:

• The VAP provides up to $500 to cover artist fees.
  
  NOTE: Artist fees may vary depending on the artist and the activity planned. Before applying, it is important schools speak with the artist to ensure their expectations for the $500 grant are reasonable. Schools may find other funding sources to support a more extensive project, but students must not be charged a fee.

• The VAP offers a subsidy of up to $200 for art supplies or equipment rental required for a project. Supplies or equipment should be listed and applicable quotes provided.

• While schools are encouraged to use local artists, the VAP offers a limited travel subsidy to schools that must bring in artists from outside their community. This subsidy covers travel, per diem and accommodation costs for the artist only. Schools on the island can apply for a travel subsidy of up to $200 and schools in Labrador can apply for up to $500.

Program guidelines:

• Artists include: writers, musicians, visual artists, creative craftspeople, theatre artists, dancers, filmmakers, new media artists, and multidisciplinary artists. Groups of artists such as bands or theatre companies can also be supported.

• Activities supported by the VAP could include: readings and discussions with writers, performances by theatre or dance troupes, discussions of a visual artist’s work and its cultural vision, learning about traditional crafts with an experienced craftsperson, exploring the arts through a workshop, or working with an artist on a web based project. The VAP is simply about exploring art with an artist.

• All projects are artist led, but a teacher is required to be in the classroom at all times.. Teachers are encouraged to participate in the project as fully as possible.

• The subject of the visit should be artistic in nature and should help students garner a greater understanding of the arts and its role and potential in our society.

• The project should highlight the artist’s professional practice.

• Artists must be current residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

• The VAP encourages schools to use artists from their local community whenever possible.

• Any artist fees or travel costs must be for people 18 years of age or older.

• Any artist or group can be supported for up to six VAP projects per school year.

• Students must not be charged a fee for the presentation or performance.

To apply:

• Applications must be submitted to the NLAC on the official VAP application form (available from the NLAC office or website, or the Department of Education and NLTA websites. Ensure you have the latest version.)

• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the school year. There is no deadline, but schools must submit an application at least two weeks before the artist or group is due to come to the school.

Assessment:

A committee (made up of two educators with experience in the arts) assesses applications. Applicants will normally be informed of the decision within two weeks of its submission. Retroactive applications cannot be considered.

Final report:

Schools funded through the VAP must submit a report, including receipts for the full value of their VAP grant, within one month of completing the project. Any unused portion of the funding must be returned to the NLAC.

For more information contact:

Ken Murphy, Program Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council

1 Springdale Street (The Newman Building)
P.O. Box 98
St. John’s, NL, A1C 5H5

Phone: (709) 726-2212
Toll Free: 1 (866) 726-2212 (NL only)
Fax: (709) 726-0619

kmurphy@nlac.ca
www.nlac.ca