General Program
What distinguishes Jazz Road Creative Residencies from other Jazz Road grants?
Jazz Road Creative Residencies specifically supports jazz artists in creating and exploring new artistic work, engaging with communities, and fostering professional growth through self-defined residencies. Unlike Jazz Road Tours, which focus on live performances and touring, Creative Residencies allow for deeper creative and community-focused engagement.
Can non-jazz musicians or cross-genre artists apply if jazz is part of their work?
Yes, as long as jazz plays a significant role in the applicant’s work. The program supports the full range of jazz’s aesthetic and cultural contributions.
Are there any restrictions on the number of times an artist can apply to Jazz Road Creative Residencies during its funding cycle?
Yes, previous Creative Residency awardees are not eligible to apply again. However, applicants who have received Jazz Road Tours funding are eligible.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
Can student ensembles or university-based projects apply?
No, the program is designed for professional artists and ensembles. University-sponsored projects may be considered only if the lead applicant is an independent artist unaffiliated with the institution.
Are collectives or bands considered eligible applicants?
Yes, artist collectives or bands can apply, provided they designate a single individual as the lead applicant responsible for managing the grant.
What if my project involves emerging jazz musicians or youth engagement?
Projects involving emerging musicians or youth engagement are eligible if they align with the goals of artistic creation, community engagement, and career development for the lead applicant.
Residency Scope & Activities
Can my residency focus solely on recording an album?
No, the residency must involve community engagement or other creative exploration beyond studio recording alone. Recording can be a component but should not be the primary focus.
Is public performance mandatory for the residency?
No, while public performances can be part of the project, residencies are not required to include them. Projects emphasizing artistic development or community workshops are equally valid.
Can I apply if I am currently on tour or engaged in another residency?
Yes, but the proposed residency must be distinct, with clear timelines and objectives separate from other commitments.
Panel & Adjudication
What are the Categories by which projects are evaluated?
Projects are evaluated by four major categories. Each one worth ¼ or 25% of your total score:
- Impact on the Jazz Field
- Community impact
- Artistic Career Growth
- Capacity to complete the project
A competitive project will clearly show that the artist along with any artistic collaborators has the capacity to complete the project as designed and touch on all three of the other criteria.
Some projects by nature may excel in heavily in one area while not effecting other areas of impact at the same level these may still be competitive though consideration should be giving to adding activities or partners that would enhance these other areas.
Collaborations & Partnerships
How are partnering organizations defined, and what qualifies them as eligible partners?
Partnering organizations can be financial or non-financial collaborators, including nonprofit arts organizations, commercial entities, or alternative spaces. Their role can range from providing resources to hosting events or facilitating community engagement.
Can I include a partner organization that is for-profit?
Yes, for-profit entities are eligible as partners, provided their involvement aligns with the residency’s goals and objectives.
If I have multiple collaborators, do all of them need to provide Letters of Intent?
Yes, Artistic collaborators act as creative "co-signers" for your project, demonstrating their skills to support your ability to execute the project at a high level and as such confirmation of their participation is crucial for the panel in determining the viability of your project. Primary collaborators or key partners integral to the residency’s success need to provide Letters of Intent or Agreements.
Residency Logistics
Can my residency take place across multiple non-contiguous locations?
Yes, residencies can occur in multiple locations, as long as the total duration is one to four weeks and aligns with the residency’s goals.
Is it permissible for a residency to overlap with other funded projects or grants?
Yes, overlapping is allowed, provided the residency activities are distinct and funds are not used for the same expenses covered by other grants.
How is “community engagement” defined, and what activities qualify?
Community engagement refers to activities that connect artists with audiences in meaningful ways, such as workshops, cultural exchanges, Q&A’s clinics, masterclasses, or collaborative projects with community members.
Can I use the grant for residencies that involve international collaborators but take place in the U.S.?
Yes, international collaborators are welcome, but only the lead applicant and U.S.-based expenses are eligible for funding.
Can student ensembles or university-based projects apply?
No, the program is designed for professional artists and ensembles. University-sponsored projects may be considered only if the lead applicant is an independent artist unaffiliated with the institution.
Are collectives or bands considered eligible applicants?
Yes, artist collectives or bands can apply, provided they designate a single individual as the lead applicant responsible for managing the grant.
Can my residency focus solely on recording an album?
Yes, however, album-focused projects typically prioritize the artist's artistic development without significantly impacting the community or advancing the jazz field, which can make them less competitive. The most competitive residencies often involve community engagement or other forms of creative exploration beyond studio recording. While recording can be a component or outcome of a project, it is usually not the sole focus of the most impactful residencies.
Example: A project Compiling a Real Book by all female composers may include a studio recording of a sample of these compositions as part of the residency outcomes.
Is public performance mandatory for the residency?
No, while public performances can be part of the project, residencies are not required to include them. Projects emphasizing artistic development or community workshops are equally valid.
Can I apply if I am currently on tour or engaged in another residency?
Yes, but the proposed residency must be distinct, with clear timelines and objectives separate from other commitments.
What if my project involves emerging jazz musicians or youth engagement?
Projects involving emerging musicians or youth engagement are eligible if they align with the goals of artistic creation, community engagement, and career development for the lead applicant.
Finance & Budget
Are there limits on artist fees within the budget?
While there are no strict limits, artist fees should reflect standard industry rates and be reasonable within the context of the project’s scope and total budget.
Can grant funds be used for promotional expenses (e.g., advertising recordings or performances)?
Yes, promotional expenses related to residency outcomes, such as marketing for community events are eligible.
If my project costs exceed $40,000, can I apply for partial funding?
Yes, you may apply for up to $40,000, but additional costs must be covered through other funding sources or personal contributions. You will have to itemize these income sources on your budget.
Can I pay myself a stipend or salary through the grant?
Yes, applicants can allocate reasonable artist fees for themselves and collaborators within the project budget.
Are travel and lodging expenses covered if my residency spans multiple locations?
Yes, travel and lodging expenses related to the residency’s activities are eligible if they are outlined in the project budget.
Can funds be used for purchasing instruments or equipment?
No, the grant does not cover capital expenses, including purchasing instruments, equipment, or other durable goods.
Application
What happens if I miss the application deadline due to technical issues?
If you experience technical issues, contact South Arts immediately at dtucker@southarts.org and copy erucker@southarts.org, or 404.874.7244 x813. Exceptions will be limited but may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Can I submit multiple applications for different residency ideas?
Yes, applicants may submit only multiple applications per funding cycle as long as the project has its own distinct outcomes and activities. However, if both projects score within enough to be considered for the award, the panel will award the application with the higher score. Both will not be awarded during the same cycle
Can I submit for a project and be a collaborator on another project?
Yes.
If I am rejected, can I reapply in future cycles with the same project?
Yes, you may reapply with the same project in future cycles, provided eligibility criteria are still met.
How competitive is the Jazz Road Creative Residency program?
The program is highly competitive. Applicants are encouraged to provide thorough, compelling narratives and well-defined project goals with clear community impact.
What types of projects have been funded in the past?
For a complete list of previously funded projects look here.
Grant Use & Reporting
What kind of documentation or reporting is required after completing the residency?
Grantees must submit a final report detailing the residency’s activities, outcomes, and financial expenditures, along with photo/video documentation of the project.
If my residency plan changes after receiving the grant, how should I handle this?
Contact South Arts immediately to discuss proposed changes. Significant adjustments must be accompanied by appropriate documentation and change forms must be approved to ensure compliance with grant terms. Depending on the circumstances, significant changes may impact funding.
What are the consequences if my residency cannot be completed as planned?
If a residency cannot be completed, you must notify South Arts as soon as possible and complete the “Creative Residency Project Scope Change Form.” We will do everything we can to assist you in completing your project. Depending on the circumstances, it may impact funding.
Miscellaneous
Are there any restrictions on the type of spaces that can host residencies?
Residencies can take place in diverse spaces, from traditional venues to unconventional or outdoor settings, as long as they support the project’s goals.
Is there support for residencies that include virtual or hybrid formats?
Yes, virtual or hybrid formats are eligible, provided they align with the residency’s objectives and enhance creative or community outcomes.
How does the program evaluate the potential impact of the residency?
Applications are assessed on artistic excellence, project narrative, expected outcomes, and the applicant’s capacity to manage and complete the residency effectively.