FAQs

1. What is the application review process?

All proposals are evaluated on the strength of the writing and the project proposal, as well as the capacity of the applicant to realize the project based on the samples provided and the writer’s publication history.

The review process has two steps. First, each application is reviewed by two outside evaluators. Second, applications with the highest scores advance to a final round in which a panel of outside jurors selects the grantees.

2. Do I need a confirmed publisher to apply?

No. You do not need a confirmed publisher to apply. However, the application includes a question about “potential publishers.” Use this space to address what publishers or publications you imagine for your project. You may also use this space to write about more experimental strategies for publication or distribution.

3. What do you mean by “Publication History/Bibliography”?

Your answer to this question should include information about the art publications that make you eligible for a grant in your chosen category. You may also use this field to highlight publications that are relevant to your proposal. We recommend including publication dates and word counts where applicable.

4. How much does the writing in my application matter?

The eloquence and coherence of your answers to the application questions are important. Although these answers are not technically writing samples, they will be considered in the evaluationprocess, and jurors read them carefully.

5. How should I select my writing samples?

Writing samples should demonstrate your strength as a writer and should connect, where possible, to your project proposal. Recent writing samples are encouraged. You may submit an unpublished chapter or an excerpt of your manuscript as a writing sample. We do not recommend submitting interviews. Writing samples do not need to be previously published.

6. What is the difference between the Short-Form Writing and Article categories?

The Short-Form Writing category supports the ongoing practice of writers who regularly produce short texts that respond to current exhibitions, events, or issues in contemporary visual art. The Article Category supports projects focused on a single long-format article (including but not limited to magazine features, academic and peer-reviewed articles, or catalog essays for non-commercial institutions). If you want to write a series of articles, please apply in the Short-Form Writing category.

7. Are blog, Substack, or podcast projects eligible for a grant?

You may apply with a Short-Form Writing project that incorporates a blog or Substack. You may also apply with a podcast element, but your proposal must clarify how the podcast relates to your writing. Interview projects will not be considered.

8. Can I apply with a collaborator?

You may only apply with a collaborator in the Book category. Only one application per collaboration will be accepted: collaborators must select one member to be the primary applicant and contact. Collaborators must meet the requirements for age and student status. However, only the primary applicant must meet the citizenship requirement. If you have further questions in regard to collaborative projects, please email us at [email protected].

9. How can the grant money be used?

The grant aims to give writers time to write and is intended to cover costs associated with research and writing, not design and production. In addition to project expenses, we suggest you pay yourself a “writer’s fee” for the period you will be working on your project. Grant money can only be used to cover expenses incurred after you have been awarded the grant.

Expenses related to the realization of your project may include:

Writer’s fee;
Research;
Travel (airfare, car rental, ground transportation, lodging, meals, per diem);
Living expenses including child-care;
Image permissions and fees; reproduction and copying costs;
Costs related to editing, transcription, or translation.

Grantees must pay taxes on the grant money they receive. The IRS considers income from grants to be taxable.

10. How long is the grant period?

The grant period is one year, beginning in January. Short-Form Writing applicants are expected to publish regularly during this year. For Article and Book applicants, completion dates may extend beyond the grant year, and will vary depending on the project.

Questions: Please note that we only respond to questions via email.

For general questions about the application, and questions regarding eligibility, please email: [email protected].

For technical questions about the SlideRoom application you can email SlideRoom directly at: [email protected].

For all other technical questions email: [email protected].