Strategic Opportunity Grants Available for Artists of All Disciplines
 
(Riverhead, N.Y.) – The SOS (Strategic Opportunity Stipend) Grants, a joint project of the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and New York State arts and cultural organizations such as the East End Arts Council, is specifically designed to help individual artists take advantage of career-enhancing opportunities that will significantly benefit their work or career development.  Artists of all disciplines, including visual artists, musicians, performers, and authors, may apply for awards ranging from $100 to $600 for opportunities occurring between March 1 – June 30, 2010. The deadline for the next grant cycle is January 27, 2010.
 
Examples of work the SOS Grants support include:

• Travel and accommodations associated with an imminent, concrete opportunity such as a reading, audition, artist’s own exhibition, or workshop;
• Materials to make or finish work that is integral to a specific, unique opportunity;
• Exceptional chance for advanced study with a significant mentor (outside of a classroom setting and not related to any degree program);
• Professional fees and services for a specific opportunity such as lighting, graphic design or carpentry;
• Expenses related to care of dependents that would allow an artist to take advantage of a specific opportunity ;
• Rental of equipment, instruments, or materials to complete work scheduled for a gallery exhibition, performance, publication, etc.;
• Purchase of inexpensive or one-time-use items associated with, and necessary for, an opportunity;
• Promotional expenses related directly to a specific opportunity.

Application is open to those who reside full time within Nassau or Suffolk counties, are 18 years of age or older, and are not currently enrolled in a degree program. Contact the East End Arts Council at 631-727-0900 for more information and an application.  You can also download an application and learn more about this grant by visiting www.eastendarts.org or www.nyfa.org/SOS .
 
East End Arts Council, established in 1972,  is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization recognized by the IRS and the NYS Bureau of Charities.  Proceeds of all events, sales, classes, donations and memberships benefit our mission of bringing the arts to everyone and inspiring our communities through service, advocacy and education.