Applications for the Twin Counties Cultural Fund Decentralization Program for Columbia and Greene Counties are available for the 2008 funding cycle. Could your nonprofit organization use a boost to their performing, literary, or visual arts programming? Are you an artist with an idea for an interesting public program or a community inspired idea for your own original work?  We may have the solution!

DEC offers three categories of support.  Project Support for Not-for-Profit Organizations offers up to $5000 to community-based organizations, local municipalities, towns and villages. Conduit – Artist Project Support offers individuals or artistic teams the opportunity to partner with a nonprofit and apply for up to $5,000 for project support.  Have an idea but no nonprofit sponsor?  The DEC Coordinator may be able to help.  Funding for both types of projects are primarily intended to be applied towards artists fees for programs that increase appreciation for the arts and provide a direct benefit to county residents.  Deadline for 2008 Project Support & Conduit-Artist applications is Saturday, September 15, 2007.

A third category of funds is also available. The Individual Artist Grant offers $2500 to artists (visual, performing, or literary) for the creation of a new original work that significantly advances the work of the artist AND engages or reflects the local community. “Community” can be defined as geographic, racial, ethnic, or philosophical.  “Community engagement/involvement” can be accomplished in a number of ways: through setting,  interaction between artist & public, public participation & input, etc. These grants are not artist fellowships and are intended to support original works by creative artists interested in working within a  community setting. Deadline for 2008 Individual Artist Grant applications is October 6, 2007. 

All three categories of funding are competitive and proposals are rigorously reviewed by individuals from the local community who are sensitive to the needs and challenges specific to Greene and Columbia County artists and small nonprofits.  There will be a series of free 2-hour grant workshops to clarify eligibility, guidelines, and offer guidance & support for applicants.  New applicants must attend one single session workshop.  Interested individuals from either county should contact our DEC Coordinator at 518-943-3400 for further information or to register.   The Decentralization Program (DEC) is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and administered by local arts councils.

Seminar dates, time, and locations are as follows: All 3 forms of grants will be covered at the July 11 – August 16 workshops.  Sept 4 & 6 workshops will focus on Individual Artist grants only.

COLUMBIA COUNTY:

Chatham Library    Wed, July 11    5:45 – 7:45 PM    
(11 Woodbridge Street, Chatham, NY)
Roeliff-Jansan Library    Thurs, July 19    6:00 – 8:00 PM
(2609 Rte 23, Hillsdale, NY)
Columbia County Council on the Arts    Sat, August 18    10:00AM– 12:00
(209 Warren Street, Hudson, NY)
Hudson Opera House (IA grants only)    Tues, Sept. 4    6:00 – 8:00 PM
(327 Warren St, Hudson, NY)

GREENE COUNTY:

Greenville Library    Thurs, Aug 2      6:00 –  8:00 PM
(Route 32, Greenville, NY)
Catskill Mountain Foundation    Saturday, Aug 11    10:00 AM – 12:00
(Upstairs, Hunter Village Square,
Main Street, Hunter)
Athens Cultural Arts Center    Tues, Aug 14     6:00 – 8:00 PM
(24 Second St, Athens)               
Greene County Council on the Arts (IA grants only)
Thurs, Sept 6    6:00 – 8:00 PM
(398 Main Street, Catskill, NY)  

Please note: Decentralization funding does not support organizations receiving funding directly from NYSCA. For NYSCA supported organizations in Greene County, GCCA offers the County Initiative Program (CIP). Those applications will be available toward the end of July. For CIP information, please contact Kay Stamer.

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P.O.Box 463, 398 Main Street Catskill, New York 12414  518.943.3400