Folklore/Cultural Policy Related

For Immediate Release
January 7, 2004

Contact: Christy Crytzer
202-682-5570

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS MAKES FY 2005 GRANTS FOR ARTS PROJECTS GUIDELINES AVAILABLE ON AGENCY WEB SITE

New Format Encourages Simpler Application Process

Washington, D.C.- The National Endowment for the Arts today posted Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) guidelines for FY 2005 on the agency Web site at
http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/GAP05/. These are the first online-only GAP guidelines at the Endowment, providing applicants earlier access and a more flexible format for changes and access to information.

The most beneficial change to the guidelines is a return to discipline orientation. For the past several years, applicants have been directed to funding categories, such as Creativity or Heritage & Preservation. This coming year, applicants will approach funding through the field or discipline of their project, such as dance, theater, or visual arts.

"We hope this change will simplify the application process, as well as underscore the importance of artistic field and discipline at the agency," said A.B. Spellman, NEA Deputy Chairman for Guidelines and Panel Operations.

Grants for Arts Projects supports exemplary projects in dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literature, local arts agencies, media arts, museums, music, musical theater, opera, presenting, theater, visual arts, and multidisciplinary art forms. Although organizations will apply directly through these fields, each discipline offers granting opportunities in the following categories:

§ Access to Artistic Excellence- supports artistic creativity, preserves our diverse cultural heritage, and makes the arts more widely available in communities throughout the country

§ Challenge America Fast-Track Review Grants- enables small and mid-sized organizations to extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability

§ Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth- advances learning in the arts for children and youth consistent with national, state, or local arts education standards

Further information about these categories and about GAP requirements can be found at on the NEA Web site mentioned above.