NEA Fast Track Grants for arts

The National Endowment for the Arts will award Challenge America Fast-Track grants for small arts organizations that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations.

Qualifying factors for "underserved" include those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. I think many Oklahoma towns could qualify based on geography, ethnicity or economics. Grants can be up to $10,000. 

Types of projects: 

Looks like this will be useful for funding festivals, murals, and local arts council projects, where professional artists will participate. 

• An arts event or events that will feature one or more guest artists. The project (such as a festival, exhibit, recital, reading, performance, screening, broadcast, lecture) must include the participation of guest artist(s). In addition to artists' fees, the project may include public relations, professional documentation, and program enhancements that are integral to the event. Examples of program enhancements include interpretive material, transportation, program accommodations (e.g., sign language interpretation, audio description), catalogues, brochures, or publications. Other enhancements such as specific lecture-demonstrations, pre- or post-event talks, or workshops relevant to the proposed arts event also are eligible.
  
  
• The creation of professionally directed public art projects such as murals, sculptures, or environmental art that are developed through community engagement.
  
  
• Civic design activities that involve the renovation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of structures to be used as cultural facilities. Projects may include architectural studies, design competitions, charettes (design workshops), or feasibility plans. Funding is not available for actual renovation or construction costs.
  
  
• The unified promotion of community-wide arts activities and resources to enhance cultural tourism or activities in cultural districts. Unified promotion is defined as the professional assessment, design, and/or distribution of public relations tools (calendars, Web sites, brochures, rack cards, signage, etc.) designed to benefit several local organizations. NOTE: Promotional projects for a single organization are not eligible.
  

Deadline: apply by May 27, 2010, for projects starting January 1, 2011. So apply now for your festivals and events next year.

More information: National Endowment for the Arts

Source: Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office.