ArtsLAUNCH! Grant Competition

Research and Creative Activity are vital for the advancement of any discipline, and to encourage new and innovative ideas in the arts and arts entrepreneurship. Kent State University College of the Arts, in partnership with the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship and LaunchNET, established ArtsLAUNCH! in late 2021. This annual grant competition is designed to promote new art and new arts ventures that will positively impact the arts economy.

The competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Kent State University. While cross-campus collaboration with disciplines that intersect with the arts are encouraged, it is not required.

Students may submit grant proposals in one of two categories to facilitate
1) the creation of new art, or
2) the creation of a new venture that will benefit some aspect of the arts economy.


Categories

The proposals will be judged by a panel of faculty and those working in the arts economy with the following rubrics:

New Art Category

A grant will be awarded for new art (e.g., art, music, film, dance, photography, fashion, etc.), or a new creative work that incorporates an art form with another discipline, that demonstrates creativity, uniqueness, and represents the artist’s intent.  

New Arts Venture Category

A grant will be awarded to the new venture proposal most likely to launch, and to most-positively impact the arts economy.


How to Apply

Completed applications and accompanying videos must be uploaded to the link below by Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. Eastern.  

Information to Prepare Prior to Submitting Application

The application form will request the following information:

  • Contact information
  • Type of project (New Art or New Arts Venture) you will create
  • List of collaborators (if applicable)
  • 2-minute video describing your project
  • Completed proposed Timeline and Budget Form (see below)

Proposed Timeline and Budget Form

Please download and complete the form below. You will be asked to upload it when filling out the online grant application.

Download Timeline and Budget Form


Announcement of Winners

ArtsLAUNCH! finalists will be notified by October 1, 2024, and their video proposals will be displayed throughout the day at the Art Without Limits event on October 9, 2024. Winners will be announced at the start of the 11 a.m. presentation at Art Without Limits.


Terms and Conditions

  • There will be up to four grants, one for each category in each division.
  • Grant winners will be announced at Art Without Limits on October 9, 2024, and stipends will be processed following the announcement of the winners.
  • Finalists agree to display their proposal videos throughout the day at Art Without Limits.
  • Applicants must be students in good standing at Kent State University.
  • Students may submit more than one proposal for each category.
  • The determination of the judges is final.
  • Winners will be required to apply to present their proposals or art at the KSU Research Symposium.
  • The College of the Arts reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of this grant at any time.

Grant Award Package Includes

  • $500 grant to pursue the proposal
  • Subject of College of the Arts communication announcing the winning proposals
  • 60-minute session with a mentor working in the discipline of the selected proposals
  • Additional benefits may be included in the award package

For More Information

Contact Nick Petrella at npetrel3@kent.edu


Past Winners