Gwaii Trust Arts Program

Program Description

The Board of the Gwaii Trust Society has created a sub-committee to review applications to the Arts Program. The program itself is intended to benefit the artists of Haida Gwaii in their quest to give full expression to their talents. It contemplates, but is not limited to, the arts in an holistic context, ranging over two and three-dimensional works, paintings, drawings, weaving, carvings and sculptures to the performing arts, fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

The GT Arts Program will offer four funding elements: Mentoring, Collaborative and Education, Training, and Workshops. These programs are limited to individual artists, and artists in collaboration with schools, communities, and art-based organizations. Applications will be made by the initiating artist. Funds cannot be used for purchasing equipment, organization operating costs, capital funds, or costs related to starting a business. Cost of materials, living expenses, or rental of equipment or space related specifically to the project will be considered. This program is limited to residents of Haida Gwaii, the residency requirement as well as other Gwaii Trust policies apply to this program.

Mentoring Projects
Mentoring allows for Artists and Elders to work with emerging artists and for advanced Artists to receive training. Artists are encouraged to consider mentors living on-island, but it is also recognized that it is necessary to either have mentors come here or to travel to them. This program can be training on a one-to-one basis or a mentor may have several artist trainees at a time. Mentors cannot be immediate family such as mother and daughter. If required, $8.00 per hour will be the maximum wage rate for apprentices. Grants are usually $1,000.00 - $2,000.00 but may be up to $10,000.00, depending on the amount of trainees, detail and length of plans and amount of applicants.

Collaborative Projects
The intention of this element is to encourage Artists in-residence (e.g. schools) collaborative projects and partnerships that foster inter-community and cross cultural work. The scope of this program is intended to be broad and is to provide support to individuals for collaboration with a group, arts organization whether it is training as artists in-residence, an exhibition opportunity, or public and community art. Although arts organizations, schools or communities cannot submit applications they may work with artists of their choosing to facilitate a partnership. Grants available are $1,000.00 - $10,000.00.

Education and Training
This element is intended to support the Artist for a limited period of time for training and education. Activities such as research, developing technique, exploring new mediums, assistance with professional development or independent artistic creation that includes new work to be shown on- or off-island, will be considered. Grants are usually $1,000.00 - $2,000.00, but may be up to $10,000.00.

Workshops
This newly created element will allow artists to apply for up to $2,000.00, per fiscal year, to attend a workshop. This element has no deadline date, and will run based on budget availability. The budget for this element is $10,000.00 for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. The applying artist must use the current Arts application, as well as, follow the following eligibilty and guidelines:

An artist can apply for up to $2,000.00 per fiscal year.

An artist is eligible to apply for an on-island, or an off-island workshop. An individual can also apply to bring an artist on-island to facilitate a
workshop.

The artist needs to apply at least two (2) weeks prior to the workshop, else they are not eligible.

The following is a list of eligible costs:

Registration fees
Travel costs
Meal per diem
Facilitator Costs ($500.00/day maximum)
Accommodations

The following is a list for the final report:

Final written report of the outcomes of the workshop.
Accounting of monies (receipts) for the full amount granted.
There will be a 10% hold-back of the monies granted, until the final report is submitted.

Application Requirements:

The artist must fill-in the application form.

The artist must include the following with his/her application:
Letter outling the reasons for taking the workshop
Workshop quote
1 peer support letter which must focus on the skill the artist is learning
Artist biography and resume
Facilitator resume
Travel quotes
Accommodation quotes
Sample work 3-5 (pictures, slides, digital CD, drawings, written work)

Artists in any creative discipline are encouraged to apply to the Gwaii Trust Arts Program. Please complete the application form and submit a complete proposal by the deadline date. If you have any questions, please call the Managing Administrator at 1-800-663-2388 or 250-626-3654.

Guide to Applicants

The Gwaii Trust Arts Program has been allocated $60,000.00 for this fiscal year (2007-2008). Applicants are not eligible for contributions, if you have not submitted your Final Report from previous approved projects. Deadline for applications is 4:00pm, April 15^th, 2008.

If your application is approved, you can apply for 30% of your contribution by letter to the Gwaii Trust. In order to apply for remaining funds, you must account for the advance and submit receipts and/or invoices for the balance of your contribution less a 10% holdback. The holdback will be released once your project is complete and you have submitted your final report (one or two pages outlining the success of your project).

· In circumstances, where off-island meal costs will be incurred, the Gwaii Trust meal allowance policy will be used.

· An artist's contribution towards an application is deemed favourable.
Example: Artist's will hold workshops on their newly acquired skill. The artist will contribute towards the application by paying for a portion of the outlined expenses.

Proposal Format, please submit the following information:

1. One or two page summary or explanation of what training or project is to be undertaken, including the reasons for undertaking training/project.

2. A realistic budget. (accompanied by cost quotes, i.e.mentor costs, if applicable).

3. Timeline or at very least start and end date.

4. Your resume or relevant biographical information.

5. Two letters from peers (other artists knowledgeable about your work) supporting your proposal. (One letter from the host gallery/theatre in the case of showcasing off-island).

6. Three to ten slides or photographs of work within the last two years, in the case of music, a tape or CD; for dance or performing arts, a video not longer than 15 minutes; and up to 1500 words for literary arts. Other support material deemed necessary by the Arts Committee.