The calendar below features upcoming Arts Commission deadlines, events, information sessions and workshop opportunities. Times, dates and event details may be subject to change. For more information, please email info@azarts.gov.

 

May
1
Sat
SFA Master-Apprentice Award Nomination Deadline
May 1 @ 11:59 pm

Through the State Partnership Grant, the National Endowment for the Arts provides state arts agencies with support for stable, professionally-directed programs that are responsive to a state’s diverse folk and traditional arts heritage. Since 2014, the Arizona Commission on the Arts has partnered with the Southwest Folklife Alliance (SFA) to serve as the state’s official folk arts partner.

SFA is the first dedicated folklife organization along the US-Mexico border corridor focused solely on uplifting, supporting, and presenting the work of traditional artists year-round. Their mission is to build more equitable and vibrant communities by celebrating the everyday expressions of culture, heritage and diversity in the Greater Southwest.

Master-Apprentice Artist Award

These awards provide direct support for master traditional artists living in Arizona to pass on art, culture, and heritage practices to apprentice learners through the annual SFA Master-Apprentice Award. The award is made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and Arizona Commission on the Arts.

The Master-Apprentice Artist supports a master artist or tradition bearer to work with a qualified apprentice (or group of apprentices) to engage in a teaching-learning relationship that includes one-on-one mentorship and hands-on experience. Our highest priority is to support apprentices to learn from master artists within their own cultural traditions. Funds can be used to help cover artist fees, offset costs of raw materials, and support any travel essential to the exchange. Traditional artists & culture bearers receive a $5,000; apprentices receive $500.

Visit the SFA website for more information.

Nominations Due: May 1, 2021

Application Notification: May 15, 2021

Application Due: July 31, 2021

Award Notification: September 30, 2021

Award disbursement: October 31, 2021

 

May
2
Sun
Poetry Out Loud National Semi Finals
May 2 all-day

On Sunday, May 2, 2021 beginning at 12pm ET, the Poetry Out Loud national semifinals will be broadcast through a one-time-only webcast at arts.gov/poetry-out-loudEach of the 55 champions submit in advance video recordings of their poetry recitations, which will be reviewed and scored by judges with expertise in poetry, performance, and the literary arts. The recitations from all 55 students will be broadcast on May 2 as part of one of three regional semifinals, and will include the announcement of the top nine students (three from each region) who will advance in the competition. Visit arts.gov/poetry-out-loud for the full semifinals schedule.

For the first time in the program’s 16-year history, the Poetry Out Loud™ national semifinals and finals will be held virtually this May. Each year, high school students nationwide experience Poetry Out Loud, memorizing and reciting classic and contemporary poetry and participating in local, regional, and state competitions. From the thousands of students who competed in 2020-2021, 55 finalists—one from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa—will advance to compete in the Poetry Out Loud national finals. The virtual finals will culminate in the announcement of the 2021 national champion, who will receive a grand prize of $20,000. Visit poetryoutloud.org for the list of the 2021 Poetry Out Loud state and jurisdictional champions and their high schools.

May
27
Thu
Poetry Out Loud National Finals
May 27 all-day

On Thursday, May 27 at 7:00 pm ET, actor and writer Shaun Taylor-Corbett will host the 2021 Poetry Out Loud national finals. Webcast at arts.gov/poetry-out-loud, the evening will feature pre-recorded recitations, live interviews with the top nine finalists, and the live announcement of the 2021 Poetry Out Loud National Champion. The national finals judges will include Cathy Linh CheEduardo C. Corral, Gabriel CortezIdris GoodwinElisa New, and Branden Wellington.

For the first time in the program’s 16-year history, the Poetry Out Loud™ national semifinals and finals will be held virtually this May. Each year, high school students nationwide experience Poetry Out Loud, memorizing and reciting classic and contemporary poetry and participating in local, regional, and state competitions. From the thousands of students who competed in 2020-2021, 55 finalists—one from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa—will advance to compete in the Poetry Out Loud national finals. The virtual finals will culminate in the announcement of the 2021 national champion, who will receive a grand prize of $20,000. Visit poetryoutloud.org for the list of the 2021 Poetry Out Loud state and jurisdictional champions and their high schools.

May
31
Mon
State Holiday | Offices Closed
May 31 all-day
Jun
2
Wed
Quarterly Commission Meeting
Jun 2 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Jun
3
Thu
Online Info Session: R&D Grants
Jun 3 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Thursday, June 3, 2021
5:00 – 6:00 pm

REGISTER

This session will provide an overview of the Research & Development Grant application, eligibility requirements, and review process.

Jun
10
Thu
R&D Grant Webinar: Proposal Narrative
Jun 10 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Thursday, June 10
4:00 – 5:00 PM

REGISTER

Attendees will learn insider tips on crafting a compelling narrative that communicates who you are, what you do, and why it matters.

Jun
17
Thu
R&D Grant Webinar: Communities of Practice
Jun 17 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Thursday, June 17
4:00 – 5:00 PM

REGISTER

Attendees will learn…

  • How to identify your communities of practice
  • Tips for describing your community of practice in the R&D Grant application
  • How thinking about your contributions to a community of practice can lead to more authentic and ethical engagement

Jun
24
Thu
R&D Grant Webinar: Work Samples
Jun 24 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Thursday, June 24
4:00 – 5:00 PM

REGISTER

Attendees will learn…

  • How to choose work samples that reflect your distinct vision.
  • The best ways to convey the techniques you use and the intention behind them.
  • Tips for putting your best foot forward and avoiding common mistakes.

Jul
5
Mon
State Holiday | Offices Closed
Jul 5 all-day
Aug
15
Sun
Due Date: AZ Youth Arts Council Applications
Aug 15 @ 11:59 pm – 11:59 pm

The Arizona Commission on the Arts invites teen creatives to join the AZ Youth Arts Council to ensure that Arizona’s youth perspective is heard in arts programming and policy.

Who Are We?

We’re an agency of the State of Arizona dedicated to creating opportunities for all Arizonans to participate in and experience the arts.

Who Are You?

You’re a creative, passionate, community-minded Arizonan, age 14-19.

AZ Youth Arts Council Members Will…

  • Learn about policy to advocate for equal access to the arts for all young people in Arizona
  • Advise the Arts Commission on grant programs and initiatives that directly affect young people
  • Administer a Youth Engagement Grant in their community
  • Review issues related to arts and culture programs and services for young people
  • Create arts and media projects highlighting the arts in their communities
  • Receive a stipend of up to $800

APPLY NOW!

Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2021.

Aug
19
Thu
Online Info Session: FY2022 Festival Grants
Aug 19 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join Festival Grant program manager Brad DeBiase for this guide to the FY2022 Festival Grant application. Brad will walk attendees through the grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, application questions, and review criteria. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the grant.

REGISTER