Recent Signage

I created these paintings recently to help add interest and signage to Field to City, a specialty organic and local market in the Bloomingdale neighborhood of Washington, DC.







You can see more of my paint work here
The layout and images of this mural was designed by Merry Alderman

trumpet progress

I've been working on creating the model for the trumpet project I mentioned before. I've also been doing a few tests on materials. I wanted to find a concrete casting product that was fiber reinforced,  as strong as possible, and as resistant to freezing and thawing as possible. I wound up choosing NeoMix D, a two part polymerized cement system. I was able to create a very strong casting at less than one quarter of an inch thick. That's pretty sufficient for what I need.

concrete mixture test

Then I needed to see how the cement accepted colorants. I'm going with a sienna color for the trumpet. I think it will compliment the blue of the figure very well. I will still do a few more tests on this. 

Concrete Color Test

So I began building my model. My first step was to create the center portion since that holds everything together. I first tried creating it in foam, but i need it to be much stronger so I went with wood.

drilling middle section

Holes need to be drilled for the pipes to fit through. I used PVC pipe for the pipes of the trumpet. I figured it would be strong and that it would be easy to assemble. The curves in PVC and the connection points weren't exactly what i needed so I improvised.

I epoxied all the joints so that it would be a very solid model. The model needs to survive a two part mold making process, but I wanted it to be able to remain intact just in case I would need to make another mold of it. you never know, and it's sometimes best to make it much stronger than you need.

Here is the whole structure coming together. 

I then added 1/2 round fluting to create the valves of the trumpet.

adding 1/2 round elements

Once that all came together I added the prototype bell created in glass. Still a little tweaking will need to be done.

 I roughed in the glass inserts that will act somewhat as a sun catcher, and add a bit of a glimmer to the piece.

I still have a lot of fine tuning and cleaning up of the model and adding a bit of detail here and there before prepping the model for moldmaking. 

Howard Theatre Restoration Project

I've been sitting on this news for a while now and it's burning a hole in my harddrive. I'm very excited to announce that I will be working on a project for the the restoration of the Howard Theater in Washington, DC. 

The Howard Theatre was a Beaux Arts Style theater built in 1910.  During its peak it catered to an African American clientele and was an extension of U streets "Black Broadway".  Many famous acts came through the Howard including Duke Ellington, Danny Kaye, Abbott and Costello, Cesar Romero, Pearl Bailey, Buddy Holly, Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington, Sammy Davis, Jr., James Brown and the Flames, Otis Redding, Lena Horne, Lionel Hampton, Redd Fox and Chuck Brown. Just so many  amazing shows!

The Theatre closed in 1980 and has sat empty for the past 30 years. Plans for renovations were long and extensive but have been underway and the reopening is scheduled for April 2012. The artist Brower Hatcher and his team at Mid-Ocean Studios won the commission to create a public art installation at the Howard Theatre.

This is the design that he created

Jazz Man

The design is a free standing trumpet player to sit atop the theatre. His sculpture is constructed of powder coated stainless steel rods. It is the practice of Mid-Ocean Studios to often work with artists in the cities that they have received commissions. After a series of portfolios reviews and questions, I was asked to participate. 

This is a dream project for me in many ways. The Howard Theatre is a building I walk by often. It is only 6 blocks from my house and with both my history in working in theatre and my fascination of urban american ruins, I have been very drawn to the space. I have also been looking for ways to get into public art and haven't yet had the opportunity. This is a great thrill and honor for me. And I've been so excited I can hardly stand it!

So what am I doing? I'll be creating the trumpet that Jazz Man is playing! 

Here is my design:

Trumpet Design by Sean Hennessey

The overall trumpet will be in cast concrete. the bell of the trumpet will be in cast glass. I have also added cast glass pieces in the negative space of the trumpet.  To create the final piece I will construct a mock up in clay, wood, metal pipe, cut glass, and found pieces, then make a 2 part rubber mold of the maquette. I will cast the bell section in wax, make a plaster /silica mold of the wax, melt the wax out, and fill the void with glass which I then fire in my kiln. I will fit the glass sections into the rubber mold, add a stainless steel armature, and pour tinted concrete into the void. After the concrete sets up I will demold the piece, clean it up, and seal it. 

In addition to the trumpet sitting on top of the theatre, I will be making an additional one for a display in the lobby.

I will post pictures of my progress.


Links:

Howard Theater Restoration

Mid Ocean Studio

Movember.

This month I will be growing a moustache for charity. The event is called Movember  and we will be raising funds and awareness for men's health issues including prostate cancer.

You may donate to this cause here


Where does the money go?
From the website

The Movember Effect: Awareness & Education, Survivorship, Research
The funds raised in the US support prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. The funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and our men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Together, the three channels work together to ensure that Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programs in line with our strategic goals in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research. 

For more information on the programs we are funding please visit the following:
Prostate Cancer Foundation
LIVESTRONG, The Lance Armstrong Foundation
Awareness & Education
Global Action Plan



Watch my moustache grow!
Day 1: Clean Shaven
I just signed up yesterday, the official first day of Movember, so I will start today clean shaven.

I'll post my progress through the month.

Thanks to those that have already supported the cause!

Incidentally, one of my supporters was also someone I participated in the 1997 Washington AIDS ride with. That was the first, and last time I attempted to raise funds since it wound up costing me a lot of money. I had moved to Washington, DC in 1997, with a job, a bike, and about 50 dollars. I signed up for the Shakespeare Theatre AIDS ride team. There was a commitment to raise a certain amount of money  and I was unable to raise the appropriate funds and wound up having to pay a lot of money out of pocket. Money that i didn't have. I did not know many people in DC yet, had no social networking sites to utilize, and had never tried raising money before.  It was a very bad year for someone that was working in the arts, in a new city, and very very cash strapped. Plus the AIDS ride was very strenuous and since i was riding on a cheap mountain bike, and had never done a long distance ride, it really kicked my ass. This completely put me off of all fund raising endeavors and made it really hard for me to ever want to ask people for money again. So it is with great reservations and humility that I accepted the request to join TEAM BOUNDARY STONE in their goal to raise money.  

So thank you Lynn Coughlin for helping out!

If you are so inclined, you may contribute to our cause here:

http://us.movember.com/mospace/2073650/

thank you.

Closing reception for @bloomingdaledc art show this thursday.

THE BLOOMINGDALE 2011 ART SHOW HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THURSDAY OCT. 27th AT 410 GoodBuddY

By popular demand this years Bloomingdale Art Show has been extended to Thursday Oct. 27th.  Due to the fantastic response and feedback we have received on the 2011 Art Show, the Bloomingdale House Tour Committee has decided to extend the show at 410 GoodBuddY to Thursday Oct. 27th and to host a closing party that evening from 6 - 9pm.  Please join us to enjoy some of Washington`s best and brightest talents in a multitude of mediums - from photography to sculpture and paintings to mixed media pieces - come celebrate Bloomingdale's artists!  Also featured are collaborative pieces by young artists from the ``Life Works To Masterpieces`` program.  So don`t miss the opportunity to see some of your neighbor`s amazing work - featured artists include Sean Hennessey, Michael Little, Suzanne DesMarais, Rania Hassan, Charles Donalies, Andrew Cressman, Rob Chester, Gracy Obuchowicz, Michael Torra, Katherine Nehring, Evan Howell and more...

By private appointment through next Thursday - please contact Zach Sherif at zpnyc09 @ gmail.com or call 917  334  1488 to set up a viewing.

Bloomingdale Art Show Closing Party - Thursday Oct. 27th from 6 - 9pm  

410 GoodBuddY Art Space

410 Florida Ave. NW

Very special thanks to Wiebenson & Dorman Architects for the usage of the gallery space 

Crafty Bastards 2011! This Saturday October 1st.

 Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair is an exhibition and sale of handmade alternative arts and crafts from independent artists presented by the Washington City Paper. The fair is all-day, outdoors, free to attend, and will offer goods for sale, food, entertainment, prizes, and more!  If you've been to Crafty Bastards you know what a fun show it is. If you haven't, try to check it out.

Detail of Looking for a Hero
Glass, Steel
by Sean Hennessey

I'm excited to be an exhibitor again this year for this fantastic event. It's my 6th time showing at this event! This year I'll have a lot of new painted doors, and a news series of glass relief pieces light enough for you to carry home on the metro. 

Painted Cast Plaster Door
by Sean Hennessey

As usual, my wife, Rania Hassan, will be set up next to me. She's been printing notebooks and making new artworks will a determined fervor.

Bridges and Balloons
by Rania Hassan

You can find our booths, #34 and #35 using this handy map:

As you can see there's a lot going on this year. Come early and see everything!


Crafty Bastards
Saturday October 1st
2151 18th Street NW, DC in the heart of Adams Morgan.
10AM- 5PM
MAP

Art This Week in DC

This is a pretty hot week for viewing Art in DC.

Check out these 3 cool events


(E)merge Art Fair

The (e)merge art fair celebrates galleries, artists, and the creative process with an an energetic environment of collaboration and discovery. The fair takes place September 22 - 25, 2011, in Washington, DC, within blocks of the U.S. Capitol Building, at the Capitol Skyline Hotel.

(e)merge features over 80 international exhibitors in two platforms: GALLERY PLATFORM - for galleries and nonprofit art spaces to show in the Hotel rooms on designated floors and ARTIST PLATFORM - for artists who are not represented, (e)merge will provide exhibition space, free of charge, for vetted works in various media (throughout the Hotel's public areas and grounds).


OPENING PREVIEW
> Thursday, September 22: 7pm - 11pm
Preview the exhibition and enjoy a concert by the pool with:LouLou and the Dispappointer Sisters (featuring members of Thievery Corporation, Fugazi, French Toast and The Deadmen)
$25 advance purchase / $30 at the door.

FAIR HOURS
> Friday, September 23: 12pm – 7pm
> Saturday, September 24: 12pm – 7pm
> Sunday, September 25: 12pm – 5pm
Capitol Skyline Hotel
10 “I” Street, SW
Washington D.C., DC 20024
(Cross Street is S Capitol Street SE)


Submerge

No Kings Collective is proud to announce Submerge, a four day flash ‘art happening’. Submerge, though fine art centric, is really just about talent, period. The goal of this space is to display through visual art, music, comedy, culinary, home grown talent, both emerging and established.

NKC will craft a temporary space on the Shaw Main Street Corridor in an unparalleled merger of art and culture. Submerge comes to life in a dormant and underused retail property located at 1005 7th st NW Washington, DC at the base of this historic neighborhood. This space is rustic and industrial but warm, whose interior harkens to an earlier time in DC history with exposed rafters, original wall covering and aged brick interior. Submerge is a transformative environment, one that will cater to the expectations and curiosities’ of the novice and the experienced onlooker.

The space is free and open to the Public (few exceptions) and will be open daily from the 22nd through 25th of September with daytime and evening programming.

 7th and New York Avenue NW


But Is It Art

a DIY contemporary art show, will take place September 22-25, 2011, in Washington, DC. The Fair will feature dozens of local emerging artists in an exhibition of contemporary art.

The show will feature work from emerging artists in all media and disciplines. We are building walls for the exhibition space in the Wonderbox, an artist-run warehouse and studio space. We are also working with the local community at Hanover Place NW and So Others Might Eat, as well several of the artists at 52 O St. Studios to make this happen.

There will be a stage for performance pieces, places for sculpture, and spaces for site-specific installations. We are also painting a mural.

7:00 pm Thursday, Sept. 22
12:00-7:00 pm Friday-Saturday, Sept. 23-24
12:00-5:00 pm Sunday, Sept. 25


79 Hanover Place NW



The Fridge will be offering a free shuttle bus from their gallery to But Is It Art and (E)merge.
Shuttle schedule is here

Are you a DC Artist?

Apply for a grant.

Arts Education Program

FY2012
Arts Education ProgramProgram Guidelines
Individuals may request up to $5,000
Organizations may request up to $30,000

NEW DEADLINE: Friday August 26, 2011 by 11:59 pm

Applicants may submit one AEP application per category each fiscal year

Arts Education Program DescriptionThe Arts Education Program (AEP) is designed to support organizations and individuals who
provide high-quality arts activities to youth in educational settings from early childhood through
high school. These programs or projects may include, but are not limited to: arts instruction, arts
integration, artist residences, in-school performances and/or public performances. Funding is
distributed in two categories: School-Based Programs and Community-Based Programs to
organizations and individuals that demonstrate a significant and positive impact on student
achievement.

School-Based Programs take place during the traditional school day for students, whether in
classrooms or at an outside venue. Activities must directly benefit DC Public or Public Charter
School students, and directly connect to curricula standards and instructional programs
occurring at those schools. Evaluation criteria for School-Based Programs emphasize strong
curriculum-based design.

Community-Based Programs take place outside of the traditional school day, such as at afterschool, weekend or summer programs or events. Programs may be associated with schools or community-based settings; however, priority will be given to activities that engage youth multiple times throughout the year.

• If requested activities have a primary focus involving children and youth, the applicant must request funds through the Arts Education Program;
• If requested activities have a primary focus involving public art installations, the applicant must request funds through the Public Art Building Communities program;
• Applicants with questions about either of these requirements are strongly encouraged to consult with a DCCAH staff member prior to applying to discuss the proper application category for the request.

AEP has a 1:1 cash matching requirement for organizations only. This is designed to assist an organization's fundraising by leveraging funding from additional sources. Neither in-kind services nor other DCCAH funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must be spent within DCCAHʼs FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012). Individuals are not required to match the grant award.

For more information, please email Carlyn Madden. Or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

• AEP Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Community Arts Grant

FY2012
Community Arts GrantProgram Guidelines
Individuals and Organizations may request up to $10,000

NEW DEADLINE: Friday August 26, 2011 by 11:59 pm

Community Impact Grant Program DescriptionThe Community Arts Grant (CAG) provides support for small-scale projects to promote arts and humanities activities to a diverse range of communities in the District of Columbia. For DCCAH, “Community Arts” refers to artistic projects that impact District residents based on geographic location, common interests or shared identities. This grant program gives the applicant the opportunity to expand on its own definition of community.

Previous applicants to the Folk and Traditional Arts Program, Elders Learning through the Arts, Hip Hop Community Arts Program and Small Projects Program are recommended to apply to CAG.

Projects must have a total budget of less than $100,000. Eligible activities include, but are not
limited to: concerts, visual arts exhibitions, literary readings, and festivals that focus on dance, folk art, film, music, theater and other art forms.

• If requested activities have a primary focus involving children and youth, the applicant must request funds through the Arts Education Program;
• If requested activities have a primary focus involving permanent public art installations, the applicant must request funds through the Public Art Building Communities program;
• Applicants with questions about either of these requirements are strongly encouraged to consult with a DCCAH staff member prior to applying to discuss the proper application category for the request.

Organizations applying to the Community Arts Grant have a 1:1 cash matching requirement. This is designed to assist an organizationʼs fundraising by leveraging funding from additional sources.Neither in-kind services nor other DCCAH funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must be spent within DCCAHʼs FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012). Individuals are not required to match grant funds.

For more information, please email Steven Mazzola or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

• CAG Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Cultural Facilities Projects

FY2012
Cultural Facilities ProjectsProgram Guidelines
Organizations may apply for up to $100,000
Deadline: August 31, 2011 by 11:59 PM
Applicants may submit one CFP application per fiscal year

Cultural Facilities Program DescriptionThe Cultural Facilities Projects (CFP) offers capital funds to help defray costs related to the improvement, expansion and rehabilitation of existing buildings owned or leased by nonprofit cultural institutions. The types of facilities involved may include, but are not limited to museums, galleries, theaters, offices, arts storage/conservation space, film exhibition space, studios and historic buildings. Examples of funded projects include roof replacement, HVAC updates, installation of handicapped accessible bathrooms, theatrical lighting and sound updates, specialized flooring installation, upgrades to fire safety systems, façade restoration, elevator installation and electrical and advanced networks wiring.

Applicants may submit one CFP application per fiscal year.

Funding PrioritiesApplicants should carefully evaluate their projects in the context of the following priorities before submitting application:
• Projects that demonstrate the readiness to undertake proposed project within the prescribed grant period.
• Projects that improve, expand, or rehabilitate buildings to provide for handicapped accessibility.
• Projects that increase and assure public access to the arts.
• Projects that address known health and safety deficiencies.
• Projects that reduce the organization's operating costs.
• Project that create or improve access to facilities for working artists.

The Cultural Facilities Program has a 1:1 cash matching requirement, designed to assist an organization's fundraising by leveraging additional funding from other sources. Neither in-kind services nor other DCCAH funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must be spent within the fiscal year 2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012).

For more information, please email Deirdre Ehlen or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

• CFP Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

East of the River

FY2012
East of the RiverProgram Guidelines
Organizations may apply for up to $25,000
Deadline: September 1, 2011 by 11:59 PM
Applicants may submit one EOR applications per fiscal year

East of the River Program Description

The East of the River Program (EOR) provides access to high-quality arts and humanities
experiences for DC residents who live east of the Anacostia River. Activities may be programs
or projects that include, but are not limited to, dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literature,
media arts, music, theater, and visual arts. Funding may be used to support salaries and
operational costs directly related to the described East of the River activities.

Priority will be given to organizations with a principal place of business in Wards 7 or 8.

• If requested activities have a primary focus involving permanent public art installations, the applicant must request funds through the Public Art Building Communities program;
• Applicants with questions about these requirements are strongly encouraged to consult with a DCCAH staff member prior to applying to discuss the proper application category for the request.

The East of the River Program does not require matching funds. Funds must be spent within DCCAHʼs FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012).The program is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts to increase access for underserved communities.

For more information, please email Ebony Blanks or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

• EOR Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Festivals and City Arts Projects

FY2012
Festivals and City Arts ProjectsProgram Guidelines
Organizations may request up to $50,000

NEW DEADLINE: Friday August 26, 2011 by 11:59 pm

Applicants may submit two Festivals and City Arts Projects applications per fiscal year

Festivals and City Arts Projects DescriptionThe Festivals and City Arts Projects (FCAP) provides support for large-scale projects to promote arts and humanities activities to a diverse range of communities in the District of Columbia. These projects must have a total budget of $100,000 or more. Funding is distributed in two categories: Festivals and City Arts Projects. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: concerts, visual arts exhibitions, literary readings, and festivals that focus on dance, folk art, film, music, theater or other art forms.

• If requested activities have a primary focus involving children and youth, the applicant must request funds through the Arts Education Program;
• If requested activities have a primary focus involving permanent public art installations, the applicant must request funds through the Public Art Building Communities program;
• Applicants with questions about either of these requirements are strongly encouraged to consult with a DCCAH staff member prior to applying to discuss the proper application category for the request.

Festivals and City Arts Projects has a 1:1 cash matching requirement, designed to assist an
organizationʼs fundraising by leveraging funding from additional sources. Neither in-kind
services nor other DCCAH funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must
be spent within DCCAHʼs FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012).

For more information, please email Steven Mazzola or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

• FCAP Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Grants-In-Aid

FY2012
Grants-In-AidProgram Guidelines
Organizations may apply for up to $50,000
Deadline: August 30, 2011 by 11:59 PM
Applicants may submit one GIA application per fiscal year

Grants-In-Aid Program DescriptionGrants-In-Aid (GIA) is available to arts and humanities organizations whose primary function is
exhibition, presentation or training in the arts and humanities. GIA offers general operating
support to organizations specializing in the following areas: dance, design, folk and traditional
arts, literature, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts.

Organizations that have been eligible to receive funds from the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program in FY2011 are now eligible to apply for FY2012 Grants-in-Aid funding.

Grants-In-Aid has a 1:1 cash matching requirement, designed to assist an organization's fundraising by leveraging funding from additional sources. Neither in-kind services nor other DCCAH funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must be spent within DCCAH's FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012).

For more information, please email Ebony Blanks or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

• GIA Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Individual Artist Grants

FY2012
Individual Artist GrantsProgram Guidelines
Individuals may request up to $5,000
Deadline: August 29, 2011 by 11:59 PM
Applicants may submit one Individual Artist Grant application per fiscal year

Individual Artist Grant Program DescriptionThe Individual Artists Grant (IAG) is designed to support the creation and/or presentation of
innovative arts projects closely related to the development of an individual artist's professional
career. This grant recognizes the impact of individual artists throughout the District of Columbia
and supports the vitality that those artists bring to the community.

Artistic disciplines may include, but are not limited to, dance, design, folk and traditional arts,
literature, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts, as well as other emerging and
experimental fields and cross-disciplinary mediums.

Previous applicants to the Artist Fellowship Program and Young Artist Program are
recommended to apply to IAG.

NOTE: Recipients of FY11 Artist Fellowship Program (AFP) grants in Visual and Media Arts are not eligible to apply to the FY12 Individual Artist Grant. These FY11 grant recipients will be eligible to apply for the Individual Artist Grant in FY13. We encourage FY11 AFP recipients to apply to the FY12 Community Artist Grant.

• If requested activities have a primary focus involving children and youth, the applicant must request funds through the Arts Education Program;
• If requested activities have a primary focus involving permanent public art installations, the applicant must request funds through the Public Art Building Communities program;
• Applicants with questions about either of these requirements are strongly encouraged to consult with a DCCAH staff member prior to applying to discuss the proper application category for the request.

Individual Artist Grants has no cash matching requirement. All project funds must be spent
within DCCAHʼs FY2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012).

For more information, please email Moshe Adams or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

• IAG Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Public Art Building Communities

FY2012
Public Art Building CommunitiesProgram Guidelines
Individuals may apply for up to $50,000
Organizations may apply for up to $100,000
Deadline: PABC has rolling deadline throughout FY2012

Public Art Building Communities Description
The Public Art Building Communities grant (PABC) is available to individual artists and organizations to create and install permanent or temporary public artwork that enhances District neighborhoods. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: sculpture, mosaics, artistic streetscape improvements, murals, paving patterns, video installations, custom benches, stained glass windows, artistic gates and railing, etc. Funding is available for all fees associated with the design, fabrication and installation of the artwork(s) including: artist fees, materials, insurance, engineering, shipping, fabrication and installation services, permits, copyright registration, and photographic documentation. Projects must have a lifespan of at least five (5) years.

Applicants may submit up to two (2) PABC applications per fiscal year.

Organizations are required to have a 1:1 cash matching requirement, designed to assist an organization's fundraising by leveraging funding from additional sources. Neither in-kind services nor other federal or local government funds may be used to satisfy the matching requirement. Funds must be spent within DCCAHʼs FY 2012 (October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012). Individual applicants are not required to match grant funds.

For more information, please email Deirdre Ehlen or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

• PABC Program Guide 2012 [PDF]
• PABC Application 2012 [PDF]

UPSTART Program

FY2012
UPSTART ProgramApplication Questions
Organizations may apply for up to $100,000, average grant size is $50,000

NEW DEADLINE:Friday August 26, 2011 by 11:59 pm

Applicants may submit one UPSTART application per fiscal year

The UPSTART Program is the signature capacity building program of the DC Commission on
the Arts and Humanities. UPSTART is designed to support arts organizations with intensive
technical assistance through consulting and funding for core administrative systems, leadership
development and operating reserves. Projects funded through UPSTART may include
consulting services for information technology, communications or fundraising strategy,
organizational development, executive coaching, financial management, strategic planning, and
governance.

UPSTART assists established arts and humanities nonprofit organizations with significant
programmatic functions that face operational and infrastructure challenges and financial
limitations that prevent organizational and programmatic sustainability.

In FY 2012, there are two major changes to the UPSTART program. Currently, organizations with current budgets under $1.5 million are eligible to apply. In addition, past recipients of UPSTART grants are eligible to reapply.

A maximum of six applicants will be selected. Of the six applicants, no more than two applicants will be past recipients of the UPSTART program grant.

The UPSTART Program has the following components:

• An organizational assessment by UPSTART program consultants;
• Development and implementation of an organizational work plan with goals and milestones to be approved by DCCAH;
• Expenditure of funds based on meeting milestones and work plan objectives;
• Establishment or expansion of an operating reserve fund;
• Peer networking meetings;
• Preparation of interim and final work plan updates reports, and
• Preparation of a final report by completing forms 804 and 805

 For more information, please email Carlyn Madden or call (202) 724-5613.

Related Documents:

• UPS Program Guidelines 2012 [PDF]

Art Bank

Currently there are over 2,500 artworks in the Art Bank Collection, installed in more than 150 District Government agencies. An open call is initiated each year to invite local artists to submit artwork for consideration of purchase into the collection, providing the selected artists with financial and professional benefits. A selection committee is formed to review prospective works and to make final selections of all new acquisitions. Once purchased, the artwork is documented, framed and installed in public areas of District government agencies, improving the environment in public facilities for District employees and residents alike.

The DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities (DCCAH) is seeking to purchase two and three-dimensional works of art including, but not limited to, prints, drawings, mixed media compositions, paintings, photographs, ceramics, and moveable sculptures to be included in the Art Bank Collection. We also strongly encourage submissions by video artists and other technological innovators as we look to expand the Art Bank Collection to include more diverse and dynamic forms of contemporary art. Representational, conceptual, and abstract works will be equally considered.

This year, the Art Bank application process will be done entirely online. Please follow dcarts.slideroom.com to find the Art Bank 2011 Call to Artists. In order to access the application, all applicants will first be prompted to create a SlideRoom account, at no cost. Once logged into their new account, each applicant artist will be allowed to submit up to ten labeled images to be considered for acquisition into the Art Bank. All artwork submitted must be available for purchase upon submission and must be created with archival materials. Work shall not exceed 96" in any direction or 100lbs in weight.

In addition to ten images of prospective artwork,
a completed online application will include:
• An artist statement
• A current CV or resume
• An image list of all works submitted, in the order of submission

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY:
This call is open to all artists who reside or maintain studio space in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. However, preference will be given to District residents.

DEADLINES:
FRIDAY | SEP 30 | 11:59PMfor submission

Tuesday, October 11: Preliminary selections made from image entries.
Week of October 17-21: Artists required to drop off artwork for viewing per notification.
Monday, October 24: Final selections made.
Monday, October 31: Artists required to pick up works that are not accepted.

For More Information, contact Zoma Wallace, Curator and Art Collections Manager
of DCCAH at Zoma.Wallace@dc.gov or 202.724.5613