Art Grants outside PDF event

[Booger]

Heyall,

This is the thread where we discuss the process of planning and applying for an Art Grant outside the PDF events. What am I talking about? Think the "Burner Film Festival" or "Art of Change". This topic came up at the Board of Director's meeting today when we discussed providing some start up funds for the upcoming Clowns without Borders fundraiser. The BOD hopes to encouraging further transparency and getting the community involved in the process. Part of our organization's mission is to foster artistic expression both at and outside PDF...so let's figure out how to do just that!

So...any ideas?

[Booger]

Ooooh! I have an idea! How about we set some guidelines to determine what "is" and "is not" a candidate for an outside of PDF art grant.

Example: Asking for $200 to pay for a couple of lapdances at the local strip club would NOT be a candidate. Asking for $200 as seed money for a burner strip-a-thon to raise funds for an expensive art project might be a candidate.

Also, we could set levels on how much funding would be available for outside of PDF art grants.

[whiskey]

Booger,

I have a TON of ideas of how PDForg can meet the IRS dictates to foster art in the community and not simply throw ourselves a hellacious party twice a year.

Here's one: The economy is in the toilet. People still need to be entertained. And we were each born to make people forget their troubles. I'd like to see a PDForg host a free festival -- open to the public -- that encompasses the widest possible array of performing arts* that may be found in our city. I'd like to see PDForg raise awareness of who we burners are and the unique ways we keep ourselves entertained. And I'd like to see more collaborations between PDForg and other DC arts orgs (Art of Change was terrific!). The economic outlook is on our side. There's an unprecedented level of unused commercial real estate and there will be for quite some time. I envision either an outdoor festival (think Folklife with a twist) or indoor (dead of winter when fun is hard to find -- think NYC DeCom). January 2010 might be a very good time to blow the doors open on this town and put DC Performing Arts on the map. A small batch of seed money from PDForg for event infrastructure could be money well spent.

* Other than Artomatic, I mean.

whiskey

[Drex]

Whiskey-

Funny you should mention that...Debbi, Lisa, and I have been tossing around the idea of doing a street fair in the fall that would celebrate Burner culture in a very public way and expose the rest of DC to it. Does this sound like the kind of event PDForg would like to see happen? If so, be on the lookout for announcements asking for help as we gear up to making it happen--we'd definitely love some help from anybody who would like to jump onboard.

Peace,
Drex

[whiskey]

Drex,

If you're thinking of something outdoors in the city, George and Patrick can introduce you to the DC government officials who issue permits for such events. And even better, to the officials who help fund such events and those who coordinate with emergency services, etc.

AOM just did a small indoor/outdoor event near Nationals Stadium in Feb., and we're assisting with another week of events in March in Crystal City. We don't have the staffing to do events year round, but we're trying to do a few outside our main event. Meaning, there's GOBS of room for burners to move in and throw their own big, public events all around the city. A little touch of SF-style streetfest in the suit capital of the world? We could make the IRS sooo happy.

whiskey

[Sequoia]

Hi,

Is there a process in place for applying for an Art Grant outside of PDF? Or is this thread to discuss possible events that would be appropriate for an Art Grant?

Thanks,

Chris

[DirtyGirlDC]

The idea of tapping into PDF funds is definitely a grand one, and I'm glad this discussion is now open.

Can individuals apply for grants from PDForg, or does it need to be a formal organization? Can that organization be a for-profit, or can only non-profits apply? Could individual artists looking to create a piece of art to display in the streets of Washington apply for a grant? Could a non-profit looking to support an artist who wants to create a large-scale, participatory art project for the community apply? Would recipients need to indicate that funding is from Playa del Fuego, Inc.? Is Playa Del Fuego, Inc. willing to take on the branding of mid-atlantic/east coast burner events? If I wanted to throw a killer Scorpfest that included performance and visual art, fire, music, and dancing, and was open to the public, could I apply for a grant? What if it was only open to a few dozen local burners? If I threw the party in a public park or a private bar or club, would that change things?

I think PDF org could benefit from raising money specifically to support this external effort, rather than pull money from ticket profits (whether from PDF or the Art of Change Ball).

Sometimes the details of where money can be distributed by an organization is outlined in the Articles of Incorporation, and PDForg seems to have some language on it.... Not that I can understand it.

"The purpose for which the Corporation is formed is to organize and hold interactive, participatory events that promote artistic creativity and freedom of expression. In furtherance thereof, the Corporation my receive property by gift, devise or bequest, invest and reinvest the same, and apply the income and principal thereof, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, either directly or through contributions to any charitable organization or organizations, exclusively for charitable purposes, and engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland." Further on, it also indicates that "In no event shall any such assets or property be distributed to any director or officer, or any private individual."

I think the PDF Board should outline specific requirements for applicants. What opportunities really exist here?

peace,
Patty

[Joanna]

I think the PDF Board should outline specific requirements for applicants. What opportunities really exist here?

peace,
Patty

That's definitely what we're in the process of working on at this time. We don't have it all hashed out yet, and your list of questions above are all good ones for us to address. One of the points that came up at the board meeting is that projects/events we sponsor should be accessible to the public, with priority given to events that reach out to the wider community, not just burners.

[Bink]

Can individuals apply for grants from PDForg, or does it need to be a formal organization? Can that organization be a for-profit, or can only non-profits apply? Could individual artists looking to create a piece of art to display in the streets of Washington apply for a grant? Could a non-profit looking to support an artist who wants to create a large-scale, participatory art project for the community apply? Would recipients need to indicate that funding is from Playa del Fuego, Inc.? Is Playa Del Fuego, Inc. willing to take on the branding of mid-atlantic/east coast burner events? If I wanted to throw a killer Scorpfest that included performance and visual art, fire, music, and dancing, and was open to the public, could I apply for a grant? What if it was only open to a few dozen local burners? If I threw the party in a public park or a private bar or club, would that change things?

That is the point of the discussion is to see what people think the rules/guidelines/requirements should be. We don't want to decide it in a bubble.

My answers:
Individuals vs formal orgs: Philisophically, it doesn't matter. Some projects may be more difficult for a private individual to pull off, so that may have an effect. But otherwise I don't think it matters.

Non-profit vs for-profit: I'd say it would have to be for a non-profit, public art or something benefits a charity of some kind, official or unofficial. I wouldn't see a problem with someone making some money off an event that PDF gave to in the right circumstances. If we gave to an event run by an official non-profit or charity with full time staff, obviously those staff have to get paid since it is their job. Or if we gave to a piece of public art that was displayed for a limited time and the artists later sold it and made a profit, I wouldn't see a problem with it.

Individual artists applying for public art: Most definitely. Public art is one of the things I personally hope to promote with outside grants. I think this is one of the things that the outside grants are specifically aimed at.

Advertising that funding comes from PDF: I would ask nicely that we be credited in some way, but would not require it, especially when it came to art pieces. The more exposure we get for doing this stuff, the more opportunities we will have to do it. I want this program to be as accessible as possible and that can only happen if people know about it. I also don't want to just be accessible to a specific community. I think all of us can benefit very much by intertwining ourselves with other groups and people who don't come to PDF or any other burner events.

Branding: I don't think we are or should be doing any kind of branding for the area burner events. PDF is the powerhouse is the area right now because we have a legal business entity and money. That may make PDF loom a bit, but I personally would like to see other orgs and groups start and do more and I would like to see PDF work with other orgs and individuals, both burner and non-burner. I don't think PDF should be a bottleneck for all things burnerish that require money or organization in the mid-Atlantic area. There are enough resources in PDF to do that, and it will become a bottleneck. There is a whole lot we (all of us, not just PDF) could be doing.

Public vs Private: I think anything that PDF money goes to has to be publicly accessible within reason. So a party where only a few dozen were invited? No. A publicly advertised party with art and performances at a private bar or club? Sure. We gave to the Film Festival and that was at the draft house. Although I personally would not give it much consideration if it was just a party at bar, even if there were art and performances. It would probably have to have some charitable/fundraiser aspect too. As long as anyone can reasonably get access to the event, I think it would be fine acceptable. Obviously in some cases alcohal laws will exclude people under 21.

[Booger]

OK, I like the activity on this thread! Keep the good ideas and suggestions flowing! One thing we can work on early is the "application" process for grants outside PDF. This will give the BOD something substantial to consider at the next meeting. Having a standardized form or process will make it easier for all involved. Any suggestions on what such an application should include?

[whiskey]

I have two brief proposals:

1. Whether or not PDForg grant funds are used, if you have a big crazy idea for an event that is free and open to the public, I may be able to assist with providing a venue at Artomatic. You may know the drill. big building on Metro next to a ball stadium. You bring art, we supply stage and PA, or some such support.

2. We can always discuss art grants outside PDF *at* PDF. We might cook up some interesting concepts whilst removed from our day to day cares.

[jillnado]

All I want to know is --

does this mean the return of the GOLD BAR???

[AndyWing]

I have two brief proposals:

1. Whether or not PDForg grant funds are used, if you have a big crazy idea for an event that is free and open to the public, I may be able to assist with providing a venue at Artomatic. You may know the drill. big building on Metro next to a ball stadium. You bring art, we supply stage and PA, or some such support.

2. We can always discuss art grants outside PDF *at* PDF. We might cook up some interesting concepts whilst removed from our day to day cares.

If you want to schedule some time at PDF with the BOD (or at least a number of us) we could have a late afternoon
meeting over tea/biscuits (or something stronger ) If anyone from the BRC office is in town should we include
them? How about regional contacts? This could become almost a mini-town hall. Outside art grants is a big step.

What does everyone think?

[fritz]

It just occurred to me that when doing a Community Outreach EFFORT, we might need to define the GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE of the Community? There's a lot of DC people, and there's a lot of NYC people, and then there's PDF'ers from Balto & Philly, Harrisburg, Trenton, Albany, Annapolis, Wilmington, Richmond, Boston...you get the idea. I don't know if the BM/BRC org has 'official' regions defined, but if it does, what are the geografix of PDF's region? The PDF Org's 501c3 may be based in Maryland, but it doesn't require that the activities take place there. Should there be an annual or bi-annual rotation of 'hub cities' and should it be by spinning the wheel (Where's that Whiskey Wheel?) The point is that it's tough for people in NYC to help with a DC event, for instance. Philly/PEX/etc. has started a Trenton Street Arts festival, but i don't know if it is part of the PDF Comm Outreach? Could/would/should it be? Would they even WANT any PDF help? Is there an equivalent public arts fest in the other hub cities? Could the afternoon {sober} portions of the various Santarchy events include handing out actual Gifts of Art Supplies (SantaGAS?)to local community centers in need of such things? A lot of Arts funding was cut back in the last Admin, leaving many Senior Centers and/or HeadStarts with not even enough money for chalk! As far as the Santa spoofing, the Senior Centers would probably be the safer direction...some of the costumes might 'scare' the kids, if you know what I mean? And would it make the most sense to have the Santarchies ALL be on the same day to cut down CARBON FOOTprint. If you want to drive to your favorite one, fine, but it might get better OutReach results by being something that is 'simulcast'. The original Toys for Tots was started by Bikers; now it got taken over by the Marines? Ironic.

[MuddyMary]

Fritz, you talk too much. Geography?! WTF? Get back in bed!

[tkathryn]

Some suggestions:
As far as Booger's point of the basics from art grants because I think this is easier to make happen than it needs to be. It is an arts non-prof which can do a lot to further arts without compromising or crossing the line. The fact is that through art grants pieces are owned by the artist and supplemented. Lots of funded art has been displayed outside just not directly. By that I mean that a piece that is given a grant through art grants can be "outside PDF" already.

Any idea on whether the grants this coming pdf were exhausted? It may be a good test run to use the same standards with the only additional qualification being something as simple as reflecting the mission of pdf as an arts org.

Those are my thoughts to the board and planning committee / arts grants. It is very unclear to me where the crossover is so not sure who to personally send the thoughts to.
Peace,
Tia

[tkathryn]

It just occurred to me that when doing a Community Outreach EFFORT, we might need to define the GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE of the Community? There's a lot of DC people, and there's a lot of NYC people, and then there's PDF'ers from Balto & Philly, Harrisburg, Trenton, Albany, Annapolis, Wilmington, Richmond, Boston...you get the idea. I don't know if the BM/BRC org has 'official' regions defined, but if it does, what are the geografix of PDF's region? The PDF Org's 501c3 may be based in Maryland, but it doesn't require that the activities take place there. Should there be an annual or bi-annual rotation of 'hub cities' and should it be by spinning the wheel (Where's that Whiskey Wheel?) The point is that it's tough for people in NYC to help with a DC event, for instance. Philly/PEX/etc. has started a Trenton Street Arts festival, but i don't know if it is part of the PDF Comm Outreach? Could/would/should it be? Would they even WANT any PDF help? Is there an equivalent public arts fest in the other hub cities? Could the afternoon {sober} portions of the various Santarchy events include handing out actual Gifts of Art Supplies (SantaGAS?)to local community centers in need of such things? A lot of Arts funding was cut back in the last Admin, leaving many Senior Centers and/or HeadStarts with not even enough money for chalk! As far as the Santa spoofing, the Senior Centers would probably be the safer direction...some of the costumes might 'scare' the kids, if you know what I mean? And would it make the most sense to have the Santarchies ALL be on the same day to cut down CARBON FOOTprint. If you want to drive to your favorite one, fine, but it might get better OutReach results by being something that is 'simulcast'. The original Toys for Tots was started by Bikers; now it got taken over by the Marines? Ironic.