Fiscal Year 2023 Program Guidelines

The Iowa Artist Fellowship provides support to individual artists, including visual and performing artists, filmmakers, musicians, and creative writers who demonstrate exceptional creativity in the arts and a commitment to contributing to the vitality of the arts in Iowa. The program advances the artistic careers of Iowans through funding and professional development. Fellowship recipients exemplify the following program priorities:

• Excellence & Innovation | Artwork achieves unique artistic vision through highly creative means in concept and form exemplifying excellence or innovation in the field
• Career Readiness | Artist is at a pivotal stage in artistic career and committed to advancing artistic practice
• Public Value | Artist contributes to the vitality of arts in Iowa by actively engaging Iowans through artistic practice

Funding for the Iowa Artist Fellowship Program is made possible by an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Applicants must adhere to the funding policies of the Iowa Arts Council and federal government through 2 CFR Part 200. 

Questions

Potential applicants, especially first time applicants, are encouraged to review all published material and contact Iowa Arts Council staff with questions well in advance of application deadlines.

Accessibility

The Iowa Arts Council is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to eligible applicants. For technical support submitting the online application, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator, Lindsay Keast at 515-281-8352 or lindsay.keast@iowa.gov, at least two weeks in advance of application deadlines.

Timeline

Applying to then Iowa Artist Fellowship Program is a two-step process. All applicants must submit a round one application. Finalists will be selected from round one to advance to a second round of review at which time they will be invited to submit a round two application.

March 15, 2022 – Round One Application Deadline
The deadline to submit an online round one application to the program is 11:59 p.m., March 15, 2022.

April 1, 2022 – Invitation to Submit a Round Two Application
Applicants invited to submit a second-round application to the program will be notified by April 1, 2022. An invitation to submit a second round application is neither a guarantee of funding nor an endorsement of the applicant by the Iowa Arts Council or Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. All applicants will be notified of their status at this time.

May 2, 2022 – Round Two Application Deadline for Invited Applicants
The deadline to submit an invitation only, second round online application to the program is 11:59 p.m., May 2, 2022.

June 30, 2022 – Award Decision Notification
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions via email by June 30, 2022.

July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 – Funding Period
Fellowship recipients are required to use the grant award and participate in all programmatic activities during the fiscal year 2023 fellowship funding period of July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023.

August 1, 2023 – Final Report Deadline
Fellowship recipients are required to complete a final report by August 1, 2023.

Program Expectations

The Iowa Artist Fellowship Program is a partnership between the Iowa Arts Council and selected fellows. Fellows are expected to fully engage in the professional development and networking opportunities provided, as well as to utilize the funding and promotional resources offered over the course of the fellowship period.

The Iowa Artist Fellowship Program seeks to support professional, active Iowa artists, filmmakers, musicians and creative writers at a pivotal stage who are committed to advancing their artistic practices. Applicants are expected to demonstrate why now is the appropriate time in their artistic career for the one-time award.

The Iowa Artist Fellowship Program is not an award to support a specific art project, an award of recognition for lifetime achievements nor is it an award for artists just beginning their careers.

Program Benefits

Funding

Fellows are provided financial support for the development of their artistic career and to enhance their capacity for creative work, including:

• Grant Award – Fellows are awarded a $10,000 grant for the fellowship award period.

Professional Development

Fellows are regularly convened during the fellowship period to receive professional development to elevate their artistic careers, including:

• Iowa Artist Professional Development Program – Fellows are required to participate virtually in an Iowa Artist Professional Development Program presented by Strategic Planning Partners, one of the nation’s leading providers of professional development for artists. The intensive workshop integrates business management, strategic planning, fundraising, communication, marketing and promotion training for artistic careers.
• Panelist Program – Fellows serve as panelists on the Iowa Arts Council‘s review panels over the course of the fellowship year. The panelist program provides the opportunity for fellows to develop their grant writing skills by offering expert citizen advice on arts activity taking place across the state.

Promotion

Fellows are provided opportunities during the fellowship period to be recognized for the impact and value of their work, including:

• Meet the Artist Events – Fellows are required to participate in Meet the Artist events to introduce their work to new audiences.
• Iowa Artist Fellowship Videos – Fellows are featured in a group video documenting the impact of the program and an individual video highlighting their individual work.
• Social Media – Fellows are highlighted in department social media platforms over the fellowship year and on an ongoing basis afterwards.

*The department will adapt programs based on CDC guidance for the ongoing pandemic.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Individuals who do not meet these requirements are not eligible to apply.

• Individual artist, including visual or performing artist, filmmaker, musician or creative writer
• Current, full-time Iowa resident with permanent address in Iowa
• Legal Iowa resident as defined by Iowa Code 422.4 and Iowa Administrative Code 701.38.17 (422)
• 21 years of age or older
• Full-time Iowa resident physically located in Iowa since March 15, 2019
• Full-time Iowa resident physically located in Iowa for the duration of the funding period

Eligible Disciplines

Eligible applicants to the Artist Fellowship must be originating, non-interpretive artists working in any artistic discipline(s) including visual arts, performing arts, filmmaking, music, or creative writing.

• Originating artists create original works of art (e.g. visual artists, playwrights, composers or choreographers).
• Interpretive artists perform or interpret original works of art of others (e.g. dancers, actors or performers).

Ineligible Applicants

Ineligible applicants to the program include:

• Past recipients of the Iowa Artist Fellowship
• Individuals enrolled in any type of undergraduate or graduate degree granting program on March 15, 2022
• Individuals who have been residing out of state for any of the 3 consecutive years immediately prior to March 15, 2022
• Only individuals can apply; artist groups, artist collaboratives and artist collectives are not eligible
• Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs grantees with an outstanding final report or placement on a department funding moratorium

Iowa Arts Council Administered Program Eligibility

• Artists can only receive one Artist Fellowship award in their lifetime
• Applicants may only receive one Iowa Arts Council administered grant award per state fiscal year regardless of grant program
  • Eligible individuals may only receive an Art Project Grant, Artist Catalyst Grant, Artist Fellowship, Greenlight Grant, or School Arts Experience Grant in a single fiscal year
• Applicants may not submit more than one application during a single grant deadline or cycle regardless of grant program
  • Applicants who do not advance to round two of the Artist Fellowship will be eligible to apply for a different annual grant program

Funding Priorities

Applications are encouraged from all applicants that meet the applicant eligibility requirements; however, priority will be placed on applications from individuals that represent populations that have historically been under-resourced by arts and cultural funding due to rural geography, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic status as defined in the Grants Terms and Definitions for fiscal year 2023.

Online Application Submission

Applicants must submit applications via the Iowa Arts Council’s SlideRoom, an online application portal. Applications will not be accepted in any other format. Late, incomplete or ineligible applications will not be accepted. Applicants can access the current online application requirements at iowaartscouncil.slideroom.com. Applicants must create a login to view the full application requirements for the program. Applicants can visit help.liaisonedu.com for assistance related to the online submission.

Round One Application Review Process

Department Eligibility Review

Submitted round one applications are reviewed by staff for completion, eligibility and adherence to published guidelines. Round one applications are reviewed as submitted. New information or subsequent clarification submitted after a program deadline is not considered unless requested by a program manager. Staff will also review an applicant’s record of compliance and good standing with the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, State and Federal government. Round one applications or applicants determined by staff to be ineligible or incomplete will not be submitted for panel review and are specifically denied any appeals process.

Competitive Panel Review

Applicants submitting round one applications determined to be eligible will be referred to a competitive first round review by a panel with appropriate expertise commensurate to the purpose of the grant program. Round one applications are reviewed and ranked based on the published scoring rubric. The panel will select finalist applicants to submit a second round application to the program based on the ranking from the initial pool of round one applicants. Decisions of the panel are final and may not be appealed due to dissatisfaction.

Decision Notification

Applicants will be notified of finalist decisions via email by April 1, 2022. Applicants are notified of the status of their application whether they are or are not selected to be a finalist. Applicants will be contacted if any additional information is required and are encouraged to refrain from contacting staff for application status updates until finalist decisions are made.

Round One Application Questions and Scoring Rubric

The following scoring rubric will be used to evaluate applications. Each section has criteria and corresponding point values to ensure a fair review process. The rubric is on a scale of 9 points. Application questions are for reference only. Applicants must review and complete application requirements in the Slideroom portal.

Artist Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Upload an artist resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Document must demonstrate the applicant's activity as an Iowa artists. 2 page limit.

ARTIST RESUME OR CV: 3 points possible
3 Artist resume or CV demonstrates applicant is at a professional level and is actively creating and presenting new works.	2 Artist resume or CV demonstrates applicant is either at a professional level or is actively creating and presenting new works.	1 Artist resume or CV does not demonstrate that the applicant is at a professional level nor actively creating and presenting new works.

Work Statement
Describe the artistic vision for the applicant's overall artisctic practive and the work samples submitted, including:

• type of artwork(s) created including concepts and medium(s) used
• how the artwork is excellent or innovative in terms of methods or trends in your field

WORK STATEMENT: 3 points possible
3 Work statement is of high quality and exemplifies artistic excellence and innovation. Artwork achieves a unique artistic vision through highly creative means in concept and form.	2 Work statement is of average quality. Artwork fulfills an artistic vision.	1 Work statement needs additional development. Artist vision, convept and form of work is unclear.

Work Samples
Provide 5-10 artistic work samples. Artistic work samples should represent a cohesive progression of work. Artistic work samples must represent an original work of art. Artistic work samples do not include bios, testimonials, news articles or marketing material such as brochures, fliers or posters. Panelists will not be required to view more than 5 pages of a PDF document or more than 3 minutes of a video or audio sample.

WORK SAMPLES: 3 points possible
3 Work samples are of professional quality and represent artisically excellent and innovative, cohesive progression of work that clearly advances artistic vision.	2 Work samples are of average quality and/or represent a progression of work relating to an artistic vision.	1 Work samples are of poor quality and/or do not represent a cohesive progression of work that advances artistic vision.

 

Round Two Application Review Process – Invitation Only

Department Eligibility Review

Round two applications will be reviewed by staff for completion, eligibility and adherence to published guidelines. Round two applications are reviewed as submitted. New application information or subsequent application clarification submitted after a program deadline is not considered unless requested by a program manager. Round two applications or applicants determined by staff to be ineligible or incomplete will not be submitted for panel review and are specifically denied any appeals process.

Competitive Panel Review

Eligible round two applications will be referred to a second competitive review by the same panel. Round two applications will be scored and ranked based on the published scoring rubric. Panel ranking and recommendations are submitted to the Administrator of the Iowa Arts Council and Director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs for consideration and funding approval. All funding decisions are final and may not be appealed due to dissatisfaction. Applicants may review the department appeals policy for information on grounds for appeal and the appeal process.

Decision Notification

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions via email by June 30, 2022. Applicants are notified of the status of their application whether they are or are not selected to receive funding. Applicants will be contacted if any additional information is required and are encouraged to refrain from contacting staff for application status updates until funding decisions are made.

Round Two Application Questions and Scoring Rubric - Invitation Only

The following scoring rubric will be used to evaluate applications. Each section has criteria and corresponding point values to ensure a fair review process. The rubric is on a scale of 18 points. Application questions are for reference only. Applicants must review and complete application requirements in the Slideroom portal.

Applicant Profile

Artist Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Upload an artist resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Document must demonstrate the applicant's activity as an Iowa artist. 2 page limit.

Applicant Profile
Describe the evolution of the applicant's artistic practice and career, including:

• type of artwork(s) created including concepts and medium(s) used
• notable achievements in artistic career or practice
• how the artwork or practice is typically presented to the public

APPLICANT PROFILE: 3 points possible
3 Evolution of applicant’s work demonstrates exceptional capabilities in concept and form. Applicant is an active Iowa artist. Career progress is demonstrated through a record of relevant, notable achievements.	2 Evolution of applicant’s work is described. Applicant is an active Iowa artisit. Relevant, notable achievements are identified.	1 Applicant is not an active Iowa artist and evolution of applicant's work is unclear or does not demonstrate satisfactory capabilities in concept and form. Relevant, notable achievements are not identified.

Career Readiness

Career Readiness
Describe why now is the appropriate time in your career to receive the Artist Fellowship including:

• why this is a pivotal stage in your artistic career
• how the professional development, networking, funding and promotional resources will act as a catalyst for your artistic career over the fellowship year

CAREER READINESS: 3 points possible
3 Applicant is at a pivotal stage in artistic career. Demonstrates how integrated program benefits will act as a catalyst for artistic career. Demonstrates dedication to advancing artistic career over the fellowship period.	2 Demonstrates understanding of integrated program benefits. Stated interest in advancing artistic career over the fellowship period	1 Applicant is not at a pivotal stage in artistic career. Does not demonstrate understanding of integrated program benefits or dedication to advancing artistic career over the fellowship period.

Public Value
Describe how you will contribute to the vitality of the arts in Iowa over the award year, including:

• target Iowa communities or audiences you seek to reach with work
• intended impact of artistic practice including any plans for creation or presentation of work
• how you will engage the target audience(s)

PUBLIC VALUE: 3 points possible
3 Applicant has clear, exemplary plans to impact the vitality of the arts in Iowa by engaging relevant, specified audiences over the fellowship period through artistic practice.	2 Applicant satisfactorily demonstrates plans to impact the vitality of the arts in Iowa through their artistic practice over the fellowship period.	1 Applicant does not sufficiently demonstrate plans to impact the vitality of arts in Iowa through their artistic practice over the fellowship period.

Work Statement
Describe the artistic vision for the work samples submitted, including:

• type of artwork(s) created including concepts and medium(s) used
• how the artwork is excellent or innovative in terms of methods or trends in your field

WORK STATEMENT: 3 points possible
3 Work statement is of high quality and exemplifies artistic excellence. Artwork achieves a unique artistic vision through highly creative means in concept and form.	2 Work statement is of average quality. Artwork relates to an artistic vision through concept and form.	1 Work statement needs additional development. Unclear how artwork achieves an artistic vision through concept and form.

Work Samples
Provide 5-10 artistic work samples. Artistic work samples must represent a cohesive progression of work. Artistic work samples must represent an original work of art. Artistic work samples do not include bios, testimonials, news articles or marketing material such as brochures, fliers or posters. Panelists will not be required to view more than 5 pages of a PDF document or more than 3 minutes of a video or audio sample.

WORK SAMPLES: 3 points possible
3 Work samples are of professional quality and represent an artistically excellent and innovative, cohesive progression of work that clearly advances artistic vision.	2 Work samples are of average quality and/or represent a progression of work relating to an artistic vision.	1 Work samples are of poor quality and/or do not represent a cohesive progression of work that advances artistic vision.

Overall Application
The following scoring criteria reference the quality of the proposal and application as a whole and not a particular question.

CASE FOR SUPPORT: 3 points possible
3 Case for support is exemplary and merits investment from the state.	2 Case for support is average.	1 Case for support is below average or does not merit state investment.

Glossary of Terms and Definitions

Applicants should refer to the glossary for clarification of program terms and definitions.