American Masterpieces is a major initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Funding is available for the American Masterpieces program to introduce Indiana residents to the best of American cultural and artistic legacy, through touring, local presentations, and arts education programs across all art forms that will reach a wide Indiana audience. These activities need to convey the significance of American art and the activity needs to be historically and culturally significant.

Eligible organizations may request up to 50 percent of anticipated project expenses. Potential applicants must

 The intended outcome of this initiative is that audiences throughout the nation will have opportunities to experience a wide range of art forms and activities that represent the best of their cultural and artistic legacy.

The NEA will make some American Masterpieces grants directly. Organizations that would like to apply for a national American Masterpieces grant may obtain information by clicking here.

The NEA also provides funding to the IAC to accomplish the program goals on a statewide basis.

Program Status

The American Masterpieces Program has been eliminated for FY2010 due to budget cuts. For more information, click here.

Eligibility

Organizations must be able and willing to fulfill every requirement listed to receive a grant for its application:

• Technology requirements and restrictions
  • Must provide current, primary contact’s email address;
  • Must update contact information in the online IAC grants system;
  • Must electronically submit all required documents to be eligible (except for DVDs); and
  • IAC staff cannot provide advanced technical assistance for personal computer or software related problems. Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.
    
    
• Applicant requirements and restrictions
  • Must be either an Indiana public agency (part of city, county, or state government) OR a private, nonprofit, tax‐exempt agency, 501 (c)(3);
  • Must be incorporated in the State of Indiana at the time of application;
  • Must be Indiana-based and have an Indiana address. Nonprofit corporations that are based in another state must be registered in Indiana as a Foreign Corporation, have an Indiana address, and provide all IAC‐funded arts activities in Indiana;
  • Must be in good standing with the IAC and in compliance with all IAC requirements;

Grant Request

Eligible organizations may request up to 50 percent of anticipated project expenses.

Match Requirement
Grantees must provide at least a dollar-for-dollar match. At least 50% of the match must be cash.

Criteria

Criteria that will be considered includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Appropriateness
  • Proposed project utilizes the work of an American Master.
  • Significance of this American Master Artist is thoroughly explained.
    
    
• Community and Educational Impact
  • An acceptable education component about the significance of this American Master Artist is included.
  • There is a substantiated effort to reach underserved audiences.
    
    
• Feasibility
  • The organization has adequate capacity for the project scope.
  • The budget seems appropriate and well constructed for the project.

Panel Session

Eligible applications were reviewed on June 1, 2009 by the Program Evaluation Committee which is comprised of Commissioners of the IAC and community constituents. The panel meeting was held at the IAC Office and was open to the public for observation. Recordings of the panel are available by request. Please contact the Grants Manager at 317-232-1278 for more information.

How to Apply

No applications are being be accepted at this time.

Contact Information

The IAC Program Staff is available to help with the application process. You are encouraged to consult with staff prior to application submission if you have any questions or need assistance developing your application. Call 317-232-1268 for more information.