Originally posted 3/10/2020
Hey Studio!
This week’s blog post focuses on a really great opportunity for you all. Living in the Studio means that you have the chance to receive a Creative Arts Award: $500 dollars to go towards a project based in the arts that you hope to complete next year. The application can be found here, and is due Sunday, March 29 at midnight.
The projects should be focused on either a Service Project or a Research Project.
Service Projects are defined loosely as a project that directly contributes to and promotes discussion around a community. This could be working with a local elementary school on arts education and the connection it has to learning about social justice. It could be creating a mural documenting the experience of immigrants in America, donating it to an organization focused in that area and giving a talk on what your mural could mean to them.
Research Projects are focused on asking and answering a question that is explored through an artistic medium. The question could be: What can portraiture contribute to getting to know people who are differently abled? How can spoken word further the question of what black feminism is? How can a clown performance give us an insight into the current political divide? These are completely made up examples – you would come up with your own question and artistic medium through which to research that question.
Along with my roommates, two of whom were also Studio residents, I applied for the Creative Arts Award last year to go towards the conversion of our basement into a functioning venue. We have put funds towards lighting and sound equipment, as well as materials used for advertising.
Having this space and the support from the Studio has been an amazing part of this year. We’ve been able to host multiple shows and other events, including the Welcome Event for the Studio in September. It was a great night that I hope you all enjoyed – we sure did. Seeing the entire community come around the corner of our driveway and into the basement was quite a sight to see!
In addition to completing your project, the Award requires you (and your group) to complete a 1 credit independent study with a faculty member of your choice. This is in no way a stressful addition, it exists only to support you and guide you through your project.
The Creative Arts Award application is due on March 29 at midnight. Don’t miss this opportunity to dream big and accomplish something that will enrich your lives and the lives of people in the community at large!