If you are a frequent visitor to ArtSake, you may be aware that the Massachusetts Cultural Council is, until January 28, 2013, accepting applications for the 2013 Artist Fellowships in the categories of Film & Video, Music Composition, and Photography.
So, film and video artists who meet our eligibility requirements: please apply! And while you’re at it, consider some other funding opportunities for filmmakers.
The LEF Foundation provides crucial support to New England independent documentary film through its Moving Image Fund. Currently, LEF is accepting Letters of Inquiry for production (maximum grant, $15,000) and post-production funding (maximum, $25,000), with a January 25, 2013 received-by deadline. More information is available online.
Sara Archambault, the LEF Foundation Program Director, contributed to an ArtSake post about approaching funders and offered this advice:
Having clarity about your vision for the project is critically important. This is not just the “what” part of your proposal (i.e. what are you creating?), but also the “why” and “how” and “who.” The process of preparing a grant request may help you achieve this clarity. Funders are often asking questions about your project that you, in your enthusiasm for the work, may not have asked yourself in regards to execution, audience, and feasibility. If you find that you are hitting major stumbling blocks in answering the questions put forward by the funder, have an honest talk with yourself. Is this project ready for review? At LEF, we welcome conversations with potential grantees to help you determine if you are ready to apply. I would see if the foundation you are approaching also invites these conversations. Sometimes speaking with a program officer can be very helpful; if not with potential dollars, then with essential feedback.
Investigate the LEF Moving Image Fund. While you’re at it, sign up for LEF’s e-newsletter. Along with sharing news, screenings through its terrific DocYard Series, and deadlines, LEF also frequently shares upcoming deadlines for other film funders. A smattering of the upcoming deadlines shared in a recent announcement:
- MCC Artist Fellowships (Woo hoo!), deadline: January 28, 2013
- Catapult Film Fund, development funding for documentary filmmakers, deadline: January 30, 2013
- Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund, finishing funds for feature-length documentaries, deadline: February 5, 2013
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