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YOUtopia 2011 Art Grant Programs

For the fourth year in a row, SUNDBURN LLC is providing art grants for YOUtopia. Our goal is to help the many diverse artists in our community realize their vision. We will entertain grant requests from individual artists and theme camps. We are especially interested in encouraging interactive art. If you'd like to submit your application using our online form, click here. Otherwise, please see the section below titled How do I apply for an art grant? for information on our art grant application requirements.

Art Program #1 – Art grants
The grants are to help artists cover the cost of making, transporting and displaying their creations. All ideas are welcome! If you express yourself in any way it is art!

We will want to see a well thought out proposal and that the artists has put plenty of energy into the project, as well as an itemized budget so we will know what the money is going toward.

Art program #2 – commissioned art
The commissioned art program will help artists to build theme related pieces of art.

We are looking for art pieces related to YOUtopia. If you have an idea for YOUtopia, please contact us and tell us what your idea is, and we will work with you to help fund it. This is not as formal as the art grant process, but we will need to see a pretty good plan and a budget.

Art program #3 – Large interactive camp assistance.
In the spirit of YOUtopia, this year we will open up the main night time entertainment area to large theme camps! If you are one of those camps, and a little money could help you bring something spectacular, please contact us and let us know what you plan. Similar to the commissioned art process, this is a little informal and will be decided by the leads committee.

Now for the Q & A:

What are the San Diego Regional Decompression Art Grant Committee criterion for awarding art grants?
The 2011 YOUtopia Art Grant Committee will review each application individually. 

Each submission will be judged upon:

  • Your idea can reasonably be described as art and the members of the Art Grant Committee like the idea presented.
  • The ability of the project to stand on its own as a sculptural installation independent of the festival performances or activities, although performances or activities may accompany the installation.
  • How the art will interact with the festival participants and the environment.
  • The thoroughness of your proposal.

How many grants will be awarded?
The number of grants awarded will depend on the amount of applications received.

Application Deadline:
The application for art grants is due Friday, September 23, 2011.

When will I know if I've been awarded a grant?
YOUtopia 2011 will take place October 14-16. Therefore in order to provide you sufficient time to conceptualize and create your art project, art grants will be awarded no later than September 28, 2011.

If I am awarded a grant, how much will I receive?
The award amount will vary. The total art grant budget for the 2011 event is $8,000. 

We realize that, depending on the project, the award may only cover a portion of the expenses. However, please keep in mind that our goal is to help out the artist in seeing their creation come to life, so please do not consider the monetary amount as a limitation. 

When and how will I receive funds?
Once your project is accepted to receive funding, you will be contacted by telephone.  During the call we will discuss the requirements for participating and bringing your art to the event. We will discuss the regulations regarding setup, tear down, contingencies, etc. Additionally, you will be required to sign a contract which will set forth the matters discussed via telephone. Shortly thereafter, you will receive a check (via mail) for the amount of the award.

How do I apply for an art grant?
If you are interested in submitting a proposal, submissions must be made no later than September 23, 2011. If you'd like to submit your application using our online form, click here. Otherwise, all applications must include the following information:

  • Cover Sheet: Artist name, address, telephone number, email address and title of artwork.
  • Physical Description: Include the dimensions, materials, and sound component (if any). 
  • Philosophical Statement: Describe what the art means to you.  Describe what you are attempting to communicate to the festival participants. PLEASE BE BRIEF. 
  • Itemized Budget: You must list all expenses for material costs, including transportation. Research your costs carefully and be specific. Do not list "contingency costs" or "artist's fee" as such expenses will not be considered. Material costs will be the only costs considered. Total the costs and submit final amount. 
  • Support Team: Describe your anticipated support team as it relates to the creation of the art, support and dismantling/cleanup. Describe the roles and skills needed (even if you do not have a complete crew at the time of submission).  
  • Construction Schedule – Pre-event construction schedule which reflects your budget (e.g., when materials will be purchased, when stages of construction will be completed, etc. ).
  • Leave No Trace: Breakdown and clean-up plan and schedule.  YOU MAY NOT LEAVE ANYTHING AT THE SITE. 
  • Plans: Detailed drawings, sketches, and plans, hand-drawn or computer generated. 
  • Application Submission: Send your application via e-mail to: artgrants@sddecom.com.

We look forward to creating a responsible, yet comfortable setting for artists to share their work!  If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at artgrants@sddecom.com.