Guidelines

Application Deadline: June 15, 2014

The Kentucky Arts Council strongly encourages you to read and understand the Featured Artist Program guidelines and instructions before accessing the online application.

Like all programs of the Kentucky Arts Council, the Featured Artist Program is guided by the arts council's core values.

Core Values of the Kentucky Arts Council

Program Purpose

The purpose of the Featured Artist Program is to promote the work of adjudicated participants of the following Kentucky Arts Council programs:

  • Kentucky Crafted Program
  • Architectural Artists Directory
  • Performing Arts Directory
  • Teaching Artists Directory
  • Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship

Goals

  • Promote the work of a diverse group of arts council juried participants
  • Document exceptional artwork
  • Showcase new work by Kentucky artists

Who May Apply

Active participants of the Kentucky Crafted Program, the Architectural Artists Directory, the Performing Arts Directory and the Teaching Artists Directory and recipients of the Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship still residing in Kentucky may apply. Artists previously selected as a Kentucky Arts Council Featured Artist are not eligible to apply.

Program Description

The featured artist will change each month, giving 12 artists this promotional opportunity each calendar year. Applications are accepted annually on June 15. An internal panel of marketing and communications specialists will select the artist for each month based on the performance expectations described below and the goal of showcasing a wide variety of artists connected to the Kentucky Arts Council through our adjudication processes. Artists not selected for the program may apply again under future deadlines. Once an artist has been selected for the program, he or she may not reapply.

Performance Expectations

Applications will be assessed using the following performance expectations.

  1. Images (60%)
  • The image for the arts council's home page presents the artwork well.
  • The image for the arts council's home page works well with other elements on that page.
  • The image of the artist at work is engaging.
  1. Narrative (40%)
  • The narrative is well written.
  • The narrative is interesting.
  • The narrative enhances the impact of the images.

Click to view the panelist assessment sheet: Panelist Assessment Sheet

General Format Requirements

Please note: Format requirements enhance the readability of your application for the panelists. Failing to follow these requirements may result in your application being returned or portions of your application being unreadable due to hole-punching, copying, etc.

  • All applications must be prepared on a computer and/or typed. No handwritten applications will be accepted.

  • Use standard-size (8½ inches by 11 inches) white paper for all pages; single-sided pages only.

  • Use minimum 11 point type. Standard fonts such as Times, Helvetica, Arial or Calibri are required; decorative fonts will not be accepted.

  • Number all pages and place your name and the words "Featured Artist Program" in the top right-hand corner of each page.

  • If you have Internet access and the latest version of Adobe Reader®, you can open and complete the application form using your computer. (Reader can be updated or downloaded free by visiting the Adobe website at http://get.adobe.com/reader.)

  • Do not staple applications or enclose them in folders or binders of any kind; use paper clips only.

Instructions for Completing Narrative

In 500 words or fewer, write something about you and your artwork that has not previously appeared in anything published by the arts council. Try to give the reader some inside information about your work, how you came to be an artist, your processes and/or your inspiration. Include a computer file of the narrative on your CD and a hard copy with your application.

Click to download the application form: Application Form

Supporting Materials

You must submit an artwork image for the front page of the arts council's website, an image of the artist at work and a narrative with your application.

  • Artwork image: This image must present the type of art or activity with which you were adjudicated into your program. It can show a work of art, a performance, a book cover or the outcome of a residency project. The image must be in JPEG format with a resolution of 72 pixels per inch. The image must have a vertical layout (i.e., taller than it is wide). It must be at least 200 pixels wide and 400 pixels high. Since this is an unusual proportion, you will probably have to crop your image. Detail depictions of visual art work are acceptable. This is the image that will be featured on the arts council's home web page (www.artscouncil.ky.gov).

  • Artist image: The artist image must show you performing, creating, collaborating or teaching your art form. This should be a candid image of you actually working, not a formal portrait. (Photos that include students or people other than the artist must be accompanied by signed photo release forms.) The image must be in JPEG format with a resolution of 72 pixels per inch, and dimensions of at least 200 pixels by 200 pixels.

  • Narrative: The narrative can be no more than 500 words. It should provide new information or a story about you that is engaging and enjoyable to read. Print a copy of the narrative to include with your application and include an electronic file of the narrative on the CD that contains your JPEGs.

    Note: The images and narrative you submit must be new to the arts council. Materials that have been previously published by the arts council either online or in print should not be submitted.

How to Apply

  • Thoroughly read the guidelines prior to beginning the application.
  • Complete the application form.
  • Mail a hard copy of your application and all supporting materials in accordance with the timeline below.

Program Timeline

Application deadline

Review of applications by panel

Applicant notification

June 15, 2014

June 2014

July 2014

Application Deadlines

Applications must be postmarked by June 15, 2014, or hand delivered to the Kentucky Arts Council office no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on that date.* Print and sign the application in red ink and mail or deliver it to the arts council with the supporting materials, in accordance with the program guidelines. The application and materials must be: 1) officially postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service by the date listed above, 2) delivered by a shipping service (e.g., UPS, Federal Express, etc.) with a paid receipt on or before that date, or 3) hand delivered to the arts council office no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on the deadline date. If the arts council does not receive the printed and signed application with attachments by the due date via one of the three delivery methods above, your application will be considered ineligible. Packages dated with internal postage meters and applications sent by FAX or email will not be accepted. Please be aware that your post office may not automatically use a dated postmark. It is highly recommended that you request hand cancellation with the date included.

Note: Due to postal regulations, all packages over 13 ounces must be given directly to a postal clerk at a post office, and not dropped in a postal box.

* If this date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal or state holiday, the deadline date will be the following day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or a state or federal holiday.

Appeals

There are no appeals in this category.

For More Information

The arts council welcomes all questions regarding this program. For more information, please contact:

Ed Lawrence
Arts Marketing Director
502-564-8110, ext. 473
ed.lawrence@ky.gov

 

Kentucky Arts Council