Van Alen Institute is pleased to offer an opportunity for architecture, design, and historic preservation professionals to apply for fiscal sponsorship for New York State Council on the Arts Independent Project grants.

NYSCA's 2015 program in Architecture + Design makes grants of up to $10,000 available for individuals (or a team) to creatively explore, or to research an issue or problem in the fields of architecture, design and/or historic preservation which advances that field and contributes to the public’s understanding of design. The category seeks projects that are innovative in nature and emphasize artistry and design excellence. Projects may lead to the creation of design prototypes, explore new technology which impacts design, research a topic in design or architectural history, or engage in critical or theoretical analyses. 

NYSCA Independent Project Grants: What You Need to Know

• Design fields which are supported include architecture, landscape architecture, and graphic, fashion, industrial, furniture, and interior design.
• Independent Projects originate with the individual (or team). Applications may only be submitted through a sponsoring organization.
• Your project dates must fall within Van Alen's 12-month NYSCA grant period of 01/01/2015 - 12/31/2015.
• Previously funded projects have included the development of design prototypes, historical studies of building types, critical and theoretical analyses, and explorations of new technology for the design fields.
• Funds awarded for Independent Projects are individual artist awards, but are not fellowships. All funded projects are awarded the full amount requested up to $10,000. Requests must include the artist’s fee and may include related project expenses.

Key Guidelines

• The individual (or team) must be professionals in their related architecture, design and/or historic preservation field. Architectural and design historians qualify. Visual artists whose work references the built environment are not eligible for support.
• The project must emphasize design and reflect one (or more) of the fields supported in the category: architecture, landscape architecture, graphic, fashion, industrial and interior design.
• Individuals may be associated with only one project request per year. If individuals appear on more than one request, both requests will be deemed ineligible for support.
• Faculty in architecture or design schools are welcome to apply. However, their proposed projects must not be part of a course curriculum.
• Student projects are ineligible for support. Currently matriculated students must document that their projects are not related to the completion of a degree.
• The individual (or team) must provide evidence that they are current New York State residents. Proof of New York State residency requires two of the documents per individual.
• NYSCA funds cannot be used for out-of-state travel expenses.

How to Apply

To apply through Van Alen Institute, please download the application form (Word document or PDF) and return the completed application as a Word document along with all support materials to NYSCAIP@vanalen.org by midnight on June 16, 2014. All applications should be submitted with the subject line "NYSCA Independent Project Application Request".

Please note that only complete applications will be reviewed for sponsorship by Van Alen. The Institute will select Independent Projects for submission to NYSCA based on their completeness, eligibility, and alignment with Van Alen Institute’s mission to catalyze innovative thinking about architecture and design. Selected individuals may be asked to submit additional application information between June 17 and the final NYSCA deadline of June 27, 2014.

All questions regarding this grant opportunity should be directed to NYSCAIP@vanalen.org. 

For further information about this funding opportunity and application instructions, see NYSCA’s Architecture + Design Program's guidelines for the Independent Projects Category at www.arts.ny.gov.