Local artists and arts organizations are encouraged to apply by submitting their best ideas for the arts from July 1-31.
MIAMI (June 21, 2021) – Artists and arts organizations across South Florida have adopted their practices to connect with audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on this commitment to innovation and creativity, Knight Foundation is launching the Knight Arts Challenge 2021 on July 1 with the goal of supporting artists across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties as they create works that connect people to their communities and to each other.
The open call for applications begins on July 1 and runs through July 31. Artists and arts organizations are encouraged to apply for a share of $2 million to fund their projects by submitting a 150-word proposal that answers a single question: What is your best idea for the arts in the South Florida area?
Now in its 12th year in South Florida, the Challenge — open to anyone with an idea for engaging and enriching the city through arts and culture — has brought 428 projects to life by awarding over $34 million in grants.
“The arts are a powerful tool to bring people together; they foster community,” said Alberto Ibargüen, Knight Foundation president. “We are making art general in Miami.”
“Through the Knight Arts Challenge, we will bolster artists and art organizations who use their talents to help build South Florida’s future and encourage them to embrace new forms of expression that mirror ways audiences are now engaging with art,” said Victoria Rogers, Knight’s Vice President for the Arts. “We look forward to supporting this new round of artists and bringing their visions to life.”
Since its creation in 2008, the Knight Arts Challenge has funded hundreds of ideas from artists and arts organizations that have helped transform the arts and culture scene in South Florida, with winners reflecting the diversity of their communities.
This year’s Knight Arts Challenge will focus on highlighting artists and art organizations finding new ways to attract audiences, enhance in-person experiences, document creation and/or amplify reach to people who would not otherwise experience the art. Audio, video, websites, mobile apps, augmented reality and virtual reality are all potential tools.
Winners of the Challenge, who will be announced in the fall, are eligible to receive additional funding to implement digital strategies in service of their individual practice or organization, as well as getting access to experts who can advise them on how to effectively deploy the additional funding. In addition, winners will receive access to training resources and materials related to business sustainability, budgeting, revenue generation, marketing and outreach.
During the application period, Knight Arts team members will host two virtual town hall meetings on July 1 and July 26 to answer questions about the application process and provide feedback on pitch ideas. Applicants are encouraged to reserve a time at kf.org/kac21.
For more information on the Knight Foundation and the Knight Arts Challenge, please visit the website at kf.org/kac21.
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About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org
Media Contact: Lennie Gomez, rbb Communications, 305-409-7291, [email protected]
