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Visual artists include those with experience in painting, sculpture,
photography, printmaking, installation art, public art, drawing, crafts,
graphics, ceramics, design, or artists' books. (Video and sound-based
installation artists and artists creating new genre, computer-based
works may apply as media artists in a future year).
What to include in a letter of inquiry
The letter, no longer than three pages, should include:
- Project description including information about how you will collaborate
- Amount requested and summary budget (budget should be part of the
three-page letter, not an additional page)
- Description of the organization
- Information demonstrating the range and quality of the artist’s
work
- Description of how the artist’s work relates to this project
- Rationale for the collaboration between the artist and organization
and a brief explanation of why the project is appropriate now
- Discussion of how the work will reach audiences
How to present your letter of inquiry
- Use plain, white or light stationery or paper (so it is easy for
the Creative Work Fund staff to make clear photocopies)
- Use a 12 point font typeface (no
smaller)
- Limit your letter to three pages of writing
- Include the letter of inquiry cover sheet (in addition
to the three page letter)
- Do not staple your letter or submit it in a folder
- Mail or deliver your letter (facsimiles are not accepted)
- Make sure it is received at the Creative Work Fund
office by 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2006
The letter of inquiry screening and proposal award decisions will be
based on:
- Evidence of the range and quality of the artist’s work
- Evidence that the project is an authentic collaboration between
the artist and the organization
- Evidence that the project stretches organizational thinking and
artistic imagination
- Demonstrated capability of the organization in its field
- Evidence of fiscal responsibility and sound organizational management
- Feasibility of the proposed project, based on required materials,
time line, and budget
Invitation of detailed proposals
Letters in the visual arts will be read by between two and six readers—including
at least one artist or curator from outside of any of the contributing
foundations. From among the letters of inquiry received, the Creative
Work Fund will invite 25 collaborating artists and organizations to submit
more detailed proposals. These invitations will be sent in mid-December. They
will include instructions about how to complete the proposal and a
check for $200 to assist with the costs of copying materials.
Examples of previously funded visual arts projects
- U.C.S.F./Mount Zion Medical Center collaborated with installation
artist and cancer survivor Ann Chamberlain and landscape designer
Katsy Swan to create a healing garden. Working with hospital staff,
physicians, patients, and patients’ families, the artist and
designer shaped a community garden and tile installation that offers
solace and renewal within a busy, urban medical center.
- The Lab collaborated with artists of the Clarion Alley Mural Project
(CAMP), including lead artist Aaron Noble, and the tenants of the
Mission District’s historic Red Stone Building to create murals in the
building’s lobbies. The Red Stone, constructed as a Labor Temple,
now houses many arts and community organizations. CAMP artists included: Carolyn
Castaño, John Fadeff, Susan Greene, Barry McGee, Ruby Neri,
Aaron Noble, Isis Rodriguez, Rigo ‘96, and Chuck Sperry.
- The Persian Center collaborated with Taraneh Hemami to create Hall
of Remembrance. Through workshops, interviews, and community
meetings the artist collected images and text from the Bay Area’s
Iranian American community and printed them on mirrors, which were
installed on walls of the central hall of the downtown Berkeley Persian
Center.
- The Farallon Research Station of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory
collaborated with Sam Bower and Meadowsweet Dairy to create a site-specific
sculpture on Southeast Farallon Island. Rubble was built into a sculptural
form that enhanced the bird habitat and serves as a blind to facilitate
scientific study of Cassin’s auklets, Rhinoceros Auklets, Ashy
Storm-petrels, and other cavity-nesting sea birds.
- Galería de la Raza collaborated with John Leaños, Mónica
Praba Pilar, and René Garcia (“Los Cybrids”) to
produce three 10' x 24' computer-generated temporary murals, on-line
artwork, and an installation about the digital divide and the Latino
community.
- Creative Growth Art Center and Julio Morales collaborated to create
a public art project that asked, “What is Outside?” Morales
and Creative Growth artists worked side-by-side to create projects
asking questions about the nature of being “outside” and
raising awareness for the work being created by artists with disabilities.
Their efforts culminated with a series of public billboard service
announcements, a public lecture, a publication, and a DVD.
Back to "How to Apply."
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