| STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITY STIPEND (SOS) ATTENTION ARTISTS/MUSICIANS OF ALL DISCIPLINES!! The next deadline for the SOS program will be September 12, 2011 this deadline will be for opportunities occurring between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012. Please note that the following changes have been made to the SOS Program for the 2011-2012 funding cycle: In addition to third-party invitations, SOS applicants now have the ability to create their own opportunities. Artists can devise an opportunity and approach a third-party to assist with its execution and apply for funds to realize it; recipients may also use funds for a significant professional development opportunity such as taking a class if, the application describes the substantial/significant impact the opportunity will have on the applicant's career. Application is open to those who reside full-time within Nassau or Suffolk Counties. SOS applications must be emailed as a PDF to the appropriate regional sponsoring organization, which in Nassau and Suffolk Counties is East End Arts Council: psnyder@eastendarts.org. For more information, contact the East End Arts Council at 631-727-0900. S.O.S. is a project of the New York Foundation for the Arts working in collaboration with arts councils and cultural institutions across New York State, and is funded with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts.If you are a full time resident living within Nassau or Suffolk Counties, stop by, call or email info@eastendarts.org for an application or more information regarding the S.O.S. Program. We encourage those with access to the Internet to download the application from NYFA's website: http://www.nyfa.org/level3.asp?id=49&fid=1&sid=21. This website is loaded with valuable information and opportunities for artists.
SOS: Frequently Asked Questions: What exactly is a Strategic Opportunity? A strategic opportunity is an event that will significantly impact the artist’s (or musician's) career. It is usually something an artist was invited to participate in, such as a concert, reading, or solo exhibit. It may be a chance to study with a mentor, a significant professional who will heighten the knowledge and advance the reputation of the artist. The panel will decide the significance by comparing it to your resume. Can I apply if I don’t have a specific opportunity? NO. You must have an opportunity from a place before you can apply. You need proof of this by a letter on the organization’s letterhead stating the opportunity, (such as a gallery opening, musical performance, acceptance at a unique workshop). If the letter is emailed, it should still be on letterhead. Can I apply more than once in a year? Yes, you can apply in all three rounds as long as you have sent in your Final Report on time. Can my opportunity be in another state or country? Yes, as long as you live in Suffolk or Nassau counties as a full time resident. Can I use the money to buy my supplies, for example paints, film, or printer? NO. The money must be used for the specific opportunity on hand. Some examples that SOS will fund: frames for pictures going in a show; musicians or vocalist that a composer needs to perform a piece; money to ship work to a gallery; babysitting for children while artist is away for opportunity; travel and accommodations to a specific opportunity. Please see second page of app for more suggestions and for what SOS doesn’t fund. Can I use the money if I go to school? Not if you are a graduate or undergraduate student enrolled in a degree program, including high school students.You must be at least 18 years old. Can I apply with a group of people or organization? NO. This grant is for individuals only. You can apply collaboratively with one other artist. One application will be accepted, however, resumes from both artists must be included. Can I use the money for a workshop? If the workshop is something very unique that you may never have the chance again to study, then you can apply. Usually this means there’s a special, popular teacher giving the workshop, who doesn’t give one very often. But the money can’t be used for tuition it can be used for travel expenses and accommodations. The workshop also has to be significant to your career, not just something you feel like taking, (your resume should reflect that). Also if you want to study with a mentor, you need to provide the mentor’s resume, (proof of the mentor’s status is helpful). Applications are reviewed by a panel of experienced local artists and arts administrators. If you have applied in the past and didn't receive funding, keep trying, as each panel is different. ***IMPORTANT *** |