Recent Awards

For the 2010-11 academic year, the Brandeis Arts Council awarded grants to support residencies by Afropop musician Lamine Toure, Palestinian musician and composer Simon Shaheen, the British ensemble Fretwork, and the New York Virtuoso Singers ensemble; professional guest artists for the Brandeis Theater Company season, a New York showcase for its graduate student actors, and a collaborative performance and design project by faculty in theater and fine arts; a full-day concert by the Brandeis Electro-Acoustic Music Studio (BEAMS) with international guest artists; and a new-media studio art course, visiting artists for studio arts critiques, and a New York trip for seniors in Fine Arts.

For a full report on projects funded in 2009-10, click here.

Grant Guidelines

The Brandeis Arts Council provides grants to support outstanding performances, exhibitions and programs in the School of Creative Arts. Its mission is to enhance the quality and diversity of the arts at Brandeis through the combined annual contributions of its members. 

Council grants support exceptional creative needs and opportunities for artistic development that directly benefit students. The council is dedicated to fostering the excellence of each creative arts department, as well as a shared vision for the arts at Brandeis. 

Guidelines for Applicants

Departments in the School of Creative Arts may apply for funding from the Brandeis Arts Council.  Each department may submit up to three grant applications. Funds must be used by May 31 of the academic year in which they were awarded.

Funds may be used for:

  • Creative needs or opportunities unique to making and studying art (including travel; materials; adjunct faculty; master classes and workshops; experiencing or attending arts programs and events)
  • Guest artists/lecturers/performers and residencies (including transportation, hospitality, and technical support)
  • Arts events and programming (including augmentation to production, exhibition, or concert budgets)
  • Purchase of specialized equipment, materials, and instructional aids

Funds may not be used for:

  • Reimbursement for programs or events that have already occurred
  • Consortium payments or membership renewals
  • Development, marketing, or recruitment efforts
  • Faculty research/projects
  • Faculty or graduate student travel grants
  • Capital improvements
  • Consultant fees

Application Process

Applications must be first submitted to the department chair for approval.  Each department may submit up to three applications each year.

The Brandeis Arts Council, comprised of alumni and parents, will review and rank all applications. From their recommendations, the final decision will rest with the Provost.

Criteria for selection include:

  • Benefits to students in the department
  • Fulfillment of curricular needs and/or artistic aspirations not otherwise addressed
  • Artistic significance of the project
  • Potential impact on Brandeis and the larger academic, artistic, and cultural community
  • Innovation
  • Inclusiveness and global perspective
  • Interdisciplinary potential

For more information, contact Scott Edmiston in the Office of the Arts.