The South Arts Professional Development & Artistic Planning grants offer up to $1,000 to support artistic planning and professional development for Southern presenters, programmers, and curators. This program aligns with South Arts' mission to strengthen program design and increase organizational capacity by investing in professional development, including travel to see new works and attend convenings. The grant's focus on professional growth and capacity building directly supports the vitality of the arts sector in the Southern region.
Target beneficiaries include nonprofit and governmental presenters, programmers, and curators across various artistic disciplines such as film, visual arts, performing arts, traditional arts, literary arts, and multidisciplinary organizations within South Arts' nine-state region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). The impact goals are to enhance the skills and knowledge of these professionals, leading to stronger programming and more resilient arts organizations. The grant also aims to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the arts, specifically encouraging applications from and projects engaging BIPOC-led organizations, LGBTQIA+-led organizations, and organizations led by people with disabilities, as well as artists from these communities.
The program prioritizes supporting staff travel expenses to conferences, festivals, exhibitions, workshops, and other professional development opportunities. It also covers guest artists' or guest curators' travel for onsite planning meetings, as well as expenses for virtual professional development and staff training, including DEIA and technology training. A key focus is on "new opportunities," defined as events or activities the organization has not previously participated in, ensuring fresh learning and growth experiences.
Expected outcomes include improved program design, increased organizational capacity, and a more diverse and inclusive arts landscape in the South. Measurable results could include the number of professionals trained, new works presented as a result of planning meetings, and the documented impact of DEIA training. South Arts' strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in their strong belief that professional development is integral to success and their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as foundational elements for a thriving arts community. The project period for eligible activities is between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
