The Rochester Area Community Foundation is soliciting letters of intent to conduct a research study that would comprehensively examine the current state and economic impact of the arts in New York State’s upstate regions, with an emphasis on the metropolitan areas of Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany.
Donor Name: Rochester Area Community Foundation
State: New York
Cities: Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 04/01/2022
Size of the Grant: $100,000
Details:
They would be looking for
- the latest data on employment and wages in the arts and creative industries in each region of Upstate, including both nonprofit and for-profit participants;
- a profile of the growth or decline of the state’s creative industries over the past two decades;
- examination of the impact and challenges facing established and emerging arts districts like NOTA in Rochester, Buffalo’s Art Park and Allentown Neighborhood, and the Near Westside in Syracuse;
- analysis of the major threats and challenges facing the arts ecosystem across the state, with particular focus on the challenges facing arts organizations and working artists in communities of color; and practical recommendations to spark sustainable growth in the arts and creative industries while advancing arts equity.
The study should be informed by interviews with arts leaders and artists, advocates, economic development officials, arts educators, government, philanthropic leaders and leaders of community-based organizations. They would be looking for qualitative and quantitative analysis that:
- depicts the growth and impact of the arts and creative industries in key regions across the state;
spotlights the strengths and needs of the cultural ecosystems in the four major cities above and select other regions of upstate New York; and - includes profiles of artists and local arts organizations whose work is having an impact on their communities and beyond.
Funding Information
Budget of up to $100,000 to conduct, analyze, and produce the report within one year.
Eligibility Criteria
- The successful research firm that responds to their request for letters of intent and any subsequent application requirements will be experienced not only in analyzing the creative economy but also in having used that work to foster awareness that led to policy change. This will require a set of astute communication and media relations skills as well as demonstrated impact from the promotion of prior research studies in the arts.
- The New York State Council on the Arts is a partner in making this report possible and will be assisting in disseminating the findings.
For more information, visit Creative Economy Research Study Program.
