Platforms Fund
Application Guidelines & FAQ
The Platforms Fund is a collaborative effort of Antenna, Ashé Cultural Art Center and the Andy Warhol Foundation. The Andy Warhol Foundation Regional Regranting Program was established in 2007 to recognize and support the movement of independently organized, public-facing, artist-centered activity that animates local and regional art scenes but that lies beyond the reach of traditional funding sources. The program is administered by non-profit visual art centers across the United States that work in partnership with the Foundation to fund artists’ experimental projects and collaborative undertakings.
Project grants of up to $10,000 and research grants of $1500 are awarded annually to New Orleans based individual and collective artists, and art groups in support of new and innovative artistic commissions that take place outside the museum or gallery walls, within the public realm, or in a non-traditional exhibition environment. Grants are awarded to projects that best exemplify an attention to the histories, communities, and ecologies of the region and their (trans)national implications, while reimagining artmaking for social change.
Guidelines
Platforms Fund Grants are awarded in three categories: Research & Development, Visual Arts Project Implementation, and Culture Bearer Implementation
Research & Development Grants are awarded to projects in the early stages of research and project development. These projects will submit: project statements, research and organizing methods, Resume, website, images, past work, etc. These projects are eligible to apply for future Project Implementation funding.
Visual Arts Project Implementation Grants are awarded to projects that are presented throughout the granting period. These projects will submit confirmed partners, final budgets, and an established timeline for implementation.
Culture Bearer Implementation Grants will fund projects with visual elements of community engaged works that have roots in or pay homage to the cultural creatives and cultural entities, and Indigenous groups of New Orleans. This may include visual documentation, books, educational workshops, the production and sewing of suits, and second line or baby doll costumes. These projects will submit: Project description (concept), budget, community partners, timeline, samples of past work.
Platforms Grants will be awarded in the category chosen at the time of application. You can apply for a Platforms Grant once annually. Should you receive a Research & Development Grant, you are eligible to apply for a Visual Arts or Culture Bearer Implementation Grant the following year. However, should you receive a Project Implementation Grant, you must wait two years to apply for another grant for any project if you are listed as a lead organizer for the previously funded project. You can only apply to one category.
Application materials include the following:
Research & Development Grants
- Your full legal name, address (city, state, zip), phone number, and email, and those of your collaborators.
- One-page description of the research and project development you plan to undertake: include research goals and objectives, collaborators, how you might organize or activate your research in the future.
- An updated CV and link to website for individuals and collectives or collaborations.
- A 50 word research statement to be shared publicly should a grant be awarded
Visual Arts Implementation Grants
- Your full legal name, address (city, state, zip), phone number, and email, and those of your collaborators.
- An up to two-page description of the project including details of the presentationproject venue(s); an individual or collective artists statement related to the proposed project; the amount of your request up to 10,000.
- An current CV and link/s to websites for individuals and collectives or collaborations.
- A balanced project budget. You may use our template or create your own.
- A project timeline.
- A 50 word Project statement to be shared publicly should a grant be awarded
Culture Bearer Implementation Grants
- Your full legal name, address (city, state, zip), phone number, and email, and those of your collaborators
- an up to two-page description of the project: applying for research and development or project grant, including details of the exhibition/project venue(s); an individual or collective artists statement related to the proposed project; the amount of your request of up to 10,000..
- A current CV and link/s to websites for individuals and collectives or collaborations.
- A balanced project budget. You may use our template or create your own.
- A project timeline.
- A 50 word Project statement to be shared publicly should a grant be awarded
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Application Opens June 1, 2024
Application Closes June 30, 2024
Juror Reviews July 6 – Augusts 6, 2024
Finalists interviews August 10-20, 2024
Grant Recipients Announced September 15, 2024
AWARDEE TIMELINE
Platforms Awardees Meet and Greet October 1, 2024
R&D Awardee Quarterly Check In 1
R&D Awardee Quarterly Check In 2
Platforms Awardees Meet and Greet
Reporting Due July 15th, 2025
Funded projects must commence between September 15, 2024 and September 15, 2025
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS
Antenna Info Session 1
Wednesday May 22 at 5:30
Location: In Person at Antenna, and online via Zoom.
3718 St. Claude Ave
New Orleans, LA 70117
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84525320293?pwd=T3U4ZHZoVllwN0ZzNjUvRitMSm0zZz09
Antenna Info Session 2
Wednesday May 29 at 5:30
Location: In Person at Antenna, and online via Zoom.
3718 St. Claude Ave
New Orleans, LA 70117
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84525320293?pwd=T3U4ZHZoVllwN0ZzNjUvRitMSm0zZz09
APPLICATION SUPPORT SESSIONS
Platforms Application Support Session 1
Wednesday June 5, 6-7 pm
Location: Virtual, Hosted by Antenna
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84525320293?pwd=T3U4ZHZoVllwN0ZzNjUvRitMSm0zZz09
Platforms Fund Public Info Session 2
Wednesday June 12th at 6 pm
Location: Antenna
3718 St. Claude Ave
New Orleans, LA 70117
If you are unable to make these information and/or application support sessions, drop in sessions are available on Thursdays and Fridays from 1-5 upon request. Email vaprograms@antenna.works to schedule an appointment.
- Platform fund awards grants to Visual Artists, Collectives, Collaboratives, Curators, Cultural Organizers, Artist-Run Spaces, and culture bearers with three years residency and currently residing in the Greater New Orleans Area (Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, and St. Tammany Parishes or within a 50-mile radius of New Orleans in Louisiana) and who do not have a LLC or 501c3 connected to their creative activities*.
- Antenna Fiscal sponsorships are not eligible.
- Previous “Project Implementation” grantees must wait a full two years from the date of their last grant award to re-apply for funding. Research grantees are eligible to apply the year following their research grant.
- If you are currently a student, you are NOT eligible to apply for funding.
- Platforms does not fund annual festivals.
*Please note: Artist-led projects can partner with otherwise excluded incorporated businesses (see above), but the project must be distinct and separate from that organization’s regular programming. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact the Platforms Fund team in advance of applying, vaprograms@antenna.works
Platforms Fund will sometimes award partial amounts, i.e. less than the amount requested in the application. In these instances, the Platforms team will confirm with the applicant that the project is still viable with the reduced amount.
The review committee will consider the following when reviewing Platform Fund Proposals:
- Grants are awarded to projects that best exemplify an attention to the histories, communities, and ecologies of the region and their (trans)national implications, while reimagining artmaking for social change.
- Demonstrate an innovative approach to the expression of an idea.
- Broad Reach: projects considers collaboration with the New Orleans community; intersectional accessibility; partnering with folx in and outside the greater New Orleans community.
- Demonstrate the project is feasible in the time allowed.
Applications open: June 1st – June 30th 2024
FAQ
The application process is designed to provide the Platforms Fund with the most complete picture possible of the goal, scope, and viability of each project and we encourage open and honest communication between applicants and the Fund.
Who selects the grant recipients?
A committee of three jurors is selected annually. The committee is made up of the local and national arts community who are nominated by Antenna and Ashé Cultural Arts Center. Committee members are not: employees, board members or artist members of any of the partnering organizations. The committee will evaluate each application based on a set rubric.
How much will be awarded?
For project implementation, we will award grants of up to $10,000 each across visual arts and culture bearer categories. Research and development grants in the amount of $1,500 each that will be awarded to support projects in their earliest stages. Research and development grantees will be eligible to apply for Project Implementation grants in the next grant cycle to help actualize their projects.
At what point in the creation of my project should I seek Platforms Fund money?
For Project Implementation grants, we encourage you to seek funding after you have a clear vision and statement, timeline, list of people or organizations you will be working with as well as a comprehensive budget. We are looking for solid, feasible projects: You should try to prove to us in your application that your project can actually happen within the timeline of the grant period. The more you have planned before you apply, the better. Your project should not be in the research and development stage and should be able to come to fruition within the next 10-12 months of the time of application. We cannot accept already finished projects that are seeking reimbursement. If you are unable to complete your project within one year, we expect you to be in communication with us and propose a revised timeline.
For Research and Development Projects, applicants should be able to provide a strong concept or idea for a project, and a plan for development and approaches to research throughout the grant period. Examples of past projects from the lead researcher or key potential partners are encouraged. These grants are intended to be seed funding to begin the formal planning process for a project.
What does it mean to be a lead organizer?
Lead organizers take responsibility for reporting and implementation of a project. They will serve as the primary point of contact for Platforms Staff, as well as be responsible for communicating project status and changes throughout the granting period. Platforms fund grant checks are generally made out to the lead organizer, however they can be divided among up to four collaborators.
Can I submit multiple projects for Platforms Fund grants?
You can only submit one application per grant cycle.
When is the application due?
Applications for the 2024–25 funding cycle are due on June 30th, 2024, before 11:59 pm. We encourage you to submit your application early, as we will only be available to answer questions until 5 pm the day the application is due.
Is there an application fee?
No, there is not an application fee to apply for the Platforms Fund.
How do I receive Platforms Fund money if I am selected?
A check can be made out to the lead applicant, and up to four collaborators. Anyone who receives funds will be personally responsible for applicable taxes associated with the award. They will be required to fill out a contract and a Form W-9 and will be issued a 1099 to be filed with their annual tax return. Checks cannot be made out to for-profit businesses, or 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
Can I pay artist fees or stipends with grant funds?
Yes, we expect you to pay the people involved in your project, including yourself.
Can I purchase equipment with grant funds?
Yes, so long as the equipment is necessary for the development of your project.
What are the reporting requirements for the grant?
We will request one final report for your project 10 months after the award has been made. Reports will require a status update on the project, a reflection on challenges and successes, public information to be shared about the project, and images. These requirements are applicable for both Project Implementation and Research and Development grants. The first disbursement of Platforms checks will be for 90% of the award, and the remaining 10% of the award amount will be retained until a final report is submitted.
We are looking to support art that is driven by independent artistic initiatives or that encourages experimentation with alternative organizational structures. For this reason, funds will not be able to support 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or for-profit businesses.
My project will eventually make money, through ticket sales for example, does that mean I can’t apply for a grant?
You can still apply for a Platforms Fund grant if your project will make money. Particularly in the case of performances, we understand that they are costly ventures and that the grant award may not cover all of the artist fees and production costs.
What if I am developing an independent project but I am planning on working with a non-profit? Can I still apply for grant money from the Platforms Fund?
We understand that funding for your project can come from a variety of sources and if you have found a non-profit that will be providing you with funds, a venue, or some other form of support you can still apply for Platforms Fund grants. The distinction is that the project must be developed independently of the non-profit, separate from it, and not as a regularly scheduled program. If you are confused about this distinction, contact us and we can discuss your individual project.
We encourage prospective Platforms Fund grantees to actively engage with the public. Public engagement can take many forms, and we encourage applicants to look at past grantees to see the breadth of communities served and types of engagement.
I would like to apply for a grant to fund a public exhibition of my artwork. The community will be engaged because they will see my work in a public space. Can I receive Platforms Fund money?
Typically not, particularly if you are the only person credited with creating the work. We are looking for public engagement that goes beyond passive viewing of finished projects. With that said, there will certainly be exceptions, where artists are taking an innovative or thought-provoking approach to the exhibition platform.
We will provide grants in the Greater New Orleans region (Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, St. James, and St. Tammany Parishes or within a 50-mile radius of New Orleans in Louisiana). Therefore, the lead applicant for each grant must live and work in this area.
I am a foreign national who lives in the New Orleans area but I am not a United States citizen. Can I apply for a grant?
Yes, you can apply, so long as you consider your home to be within our funding region and have lived here for three years.
What if my project involves people living in other states or abroad?
You can collaborate with people from other regions but the lead organizer must live in and your project must take place within the funding region. Locally based projects are the focus of this funding opportunity.
The work we are looking to fund should come from independent and experienced artists. Students, therefore, cannot apply as the main recipient of Platforms Fund grants because their work can be heavily influenced by the institution of which they are a part.
Does this mean if I went to art school I can’t apply for a grant?
No, all this means is that you cannot currently be in school. We welcome the work of art school alumni; we just ask that they have graduated and are pursuing independent avenues of creativity.
My project involves working with students K-12 in a classroom setting. Can I still apply?
Absolutely, we welcome collaboration with K-12 students. However, lead organizers of such a project should not be students and/or the school itself.
What if I am a student when I apply but will have graduated by the beginning of the award cycle? Can I apply?
Yes, you can apply, so long as you will not be in school (that includes graduate level schooling as well) during the award cycle.
What if I am an independent artist that would like to collaborate with college students? Is that OK?
Yes, you can collaborate with college students and have them as a part of your project, but lead organizers cannot be in college or graduate school at the time of application.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out at info@antenna.works.