Write a one-paragraph description, approximately 30 words long, of your project.
State three concrete goals for your project. For example, but not limited to: What does your project communicate? What will make your project personally satisfying? How will this project engage people?
This is an estimate of your expenses. Download sample budgets for performance and visual arts.
Because we may not be able to give you the full amount requested, we want to know what other sources of funding you have, including department funding, other grants, and your own money. Will you be receiving some services free of charge, such as rehearsal space, donated supplies, volunteer labor? Please be clear whether the funding or donations are confirmed or anticipated.
If your proposal is accepted, you will develop a more detailed budget.
Write a detailed, organized description of your project, which you will upload to the application form. This description should be no more than 800 words long. Explain how your project engages with the festival theme. You may also describe historical precedents, academic connections, or a community desire for this kind of work. Be sure to explain how the project will be carried out. For example: Where will you rehearse or build? How will you recruit participants or players? How will you promote the project?
Anticipate questions and concerns: Is your subject matter potentially sensitive or provocative? Explain who your audience is. Don’t propose an adult-themed performance for Super Sunday, which is attended by many families. Are there possible safety concerns such as weight-bearing structures or hazardous materials? Address them in your proposal.
Students only: Give us the name of a Brandeis faculty or staff person who can speak about your ability to complete the project. Be sure to tell your reference about your plans and that the Arts Engagement staff will follow up with a request for brief comments (not a written recommendation).
Your supporting materials can be photographs of visual works; recordings of musical compositions; videos or photographs for those involved in dance, acting, directing, musical performances, etc.
You will upload these files or provide a link to a website with your application. A link to a social media or YouTube account is fine.
If you are not sure what to submit, talk with a professor or grad student. Submitting work samples is standard practice in the arts, and they will have good advice for you.
Ingrid Schorr
Director of Arts Engagement
Brandeis University MS 092
Waltham, MA 02454
781-736-5008
ingrids@brandeis.edu
Here are samples of accepted proposals from previous years. Not only did the applicants receive the funding they asked for, but their completed projects were very successful because they planned well from the outset.