TAFFArtlink Inc. is now accepting applications from Arizona-based artists for its inaugural grant program: The Artist Forward Fund (TAFF). The deadline for applications is midnight May 31, 2017 Mountain Standard Time (MST).

The program, originally announced at the 2017 Art d’Core Gala during Art Detour 29, is produced by Artlink in collaboration with a group of prominent professional artists who are serving on the newly formed Artlink Artist Council (AAC): Julie Anand, Joan Baron, Christine Cassano, Bill Dambrova, Peter Deise, Jeff Falk, Isaac Fortoul, Gabriel Fortoul, Frank Gonzales, Annie Lopez, William LeGoullon, Ann Morton, Joe Ray, Patricia Sannit, Randy Slack, Marilyn Szabo. These established professional artists have worked 10 years or more in exhibiting and/or producing exhibitions that shine a spotlight on Phoenix; represent the diverse cultural identity of our city; and have contributed significant time/energy to either Art Detour/Artlink and/or partner initiatives that strive to elevate the profile of Phoenix’s creative community.

Submitted grant applications will be reviewed by the AAC along with members of Artlink’s Board of Directors.

The selected grant recipient will receive a $500 grant and/or the opportunity for an exhibition facilitated by Artlink. Additionally, members of the AAC will provide mentorship to selected artist(s).

The artist recipient will be someone who demonstrates potential in their practice through risk-taking and pushing their work in dynamic ways. It will be someone who is at a critical juncture in their career when this support would be most impactful.

“We’re excited about helping artists in such a direct way,” said Catrina Kahler, Artlink Board President. “This is not only financial support, but mentorship from professional artists who have been living and working in the area for years. They are excited to share what they have learned and we are looking forward to seeing the results of this innovative collaboration.”

SUBMISSION DETAILS

The following media will be accepted for submission: oil, watercolor, acrylic, graphite, charcoal, pastels, photography, ceramics, printmaking, textile, mixed media, video, installation, and sculpture/three dimensional pieces. Additional criteria:

The online submission deadline is May 31, by midnight (MST).

Artlink Articipants may enter free of charge. Articipants click here to submit.

Artists who aren’t registered as Articipants will pay a $15 submission fee. Non-Articipants click here to submit.

Want to skip the fees for this and future calls? Learn more about becoming a year-round Articipant here.

Email with any questions to submissions@artlinkphx.org. Please reference “TAFF Call” in your email subject line when submitting questions.

FAQ

Why is there a fee to submit?
The fees helps to support the administration of all Artlink efforts in supporting local artists. This includes a variety of year-round opportunities to promote, exhibit and sell your work. And as we grow, we will continue to look for more opportunities.

How can the fee be waived?
There is NO FEE for artists who have signed up to be an Artlink Articipant. If you are not yet signed up as an Articipant, click here to sign up now.

Can I submit to multiple calls promoted by Artlink?
Yes. Once you’ve set up your artist profile on Submittable.com, you can easily submit for this and other calls.

Can I submit the same art to multiple calls?
You can, but we encourage you to submit a variety of works and to pay close attention to deadlines, purchase dates, etc. so that the submitted works remain eligible for selection.

Is there an age minimum to apply?
Yes, you must be at least 18 years of age.

If I live outside of Phoenix or only spend some time in Arizona can I submit?
You are welcome to apply even if you live outside of Phoenix or split your time between Arizona and elsewhere. As long as you can assure that you will be available to drop off your work in Phoenix if you are selected to create an exhibition.

How do I prove I am an Artlink Articipant in my application?
The Artlink team will check our Articipant list on file to verify we have you in our records.

How old is the work you are willing to accept?
We would prefer that all artwork submitted be new or from the last 3 years at the oldest.

If I am selected to create an exhibition when will it be?
Artlink will schedule the exhibition based on discussions and calendars of both the artist and the venue providing the space.

What type of video can I submit?
All videos should be suitable for a wide audience and have no strong language, illegal activity, or overt nudity. Please send links on YouTube or Vimeo or submit the videos in .mov, .avi, or .mpg formats.

If I’ve been selected for past Artlink exhibitions or opportunities can I submit again?
Definitely! We would like to see new work, so please submit pieces that are different from what you’ve submitted in the past.

How will my work be evaluated?
The criteria is up to the Artlink Artist Council in determining which artist “demonstrates potential in their practice through risk-taking and pushing their work in dynamic ways.”

About Artlink Inc.
Artlink keeps the arts integral to the development of our city by connecting artists, business and community. Artlink supports a variety of community-based art events, including complimentary Trolley Tours during the monthly First Friday Art Walk, one of the nation’s largest self-guided art walks; a pop-up gallery program; the Infusion arts initiative; and the annual Juried Exhibition, Art Detour, and Art d’Core Gala. Artlink is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is supported by City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Downtown Phoenix Inc., Arizona Commission on the Arts, Phoenix Art Museum, The Arizona Republic, Dunn Transportation, Roosevelt Row CDC, Warehouse District, Central Arts District and Historic Grand Avenue. Visit www.artlinkphx.org to sign up for the Artlink newsletter or connect socially on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.