Department of Art & Art History MFA students, Bryce Billings, Dana Hansen, Etsuko Kato, Kylie Millward, Hannah Nielsen, Holly Nielsen, and Candace von Hoffman, who curated and presented their annual interim show, “Mixed Bag,” made possible by FAF Grants. (Photo: Amelia Walchli)
WRITTEN BY MARINA GOMBERG
Students studying in the arts across America are learning the practices, traditions, technologies, and histories of their disciplines. But where some institutions are falling short is in the preparation of their students to smoothly transition into the modern workforce as practicing artists after graduation. Data collected by the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) has shown that arts alumni across the country wish they had more real-world experiences in the business of being a professional artist.
The University of Utah College of Fine Arts (CFA), which has participated in the collection of this data to ensure our alumni voices are included, has put this feedback to good use.
In addition to developing new programs and opportunities for our students to build their professional networks, gain financial literacy, and get practical experiences through internships, we are continuing to bolster the now 20-year legacy of our Fine Arts Fees (FAF) Grant program.
Implemented in the 1998-99 academic year, the CFA’s FAF Grant program has made important funding available to CFA student groups that are registered as a Sponsored Student Organization through the U’s Office of Student Leadership & Involvement to help with both undergraduate and graduate student-driven noncredit projects. This includes staging performances, inviting guest artists and scholars to campus, and attending national and international conferences and competitions.
By providing parameters on eligibility and outcomes, the program replicates processes practicing artists go through to pitch, secure, and use external funding. The projects must enhance student learning, enhance the student experience for the larger University community, and/or create or host arts events on campus or in the greater Salt Lake Area. The groups must originate in the CFA and be advised by a faculty member in the CFA.
But the students applying for project funding aren’t the only ones benefitting from this experience. Since taking over the FAF Grant program, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Liz Leckie, PhD, supported the program becoming completely student-driven. The shift meant that students now make up both the applicants and the committee who chooses what projects get funded each year.
“Many of our students will go on to become professional artists. For them, this process requires them to think about planning, budgeting, marketing, and reporting. It also gives them resources, tools, and access to a faculty mentor to ensure their success,” she said. “Other students might become arts administrators or professionals working for organizations that support artists. The opportunity to serve on the FAF Grant Committee, vetting and choosing awarded student groups, connects our students across disciplines and gives them practical experiences in making critical decisions.”
The FAF Grant program has awarded roughly $1.75 million to fuel the passions of CFA students, but there are always more hopeful applicants than available funding. As tough as that makes the committee’s work, it’s invaluable preparation for their futures.
The competitive nature elevates the experience for the applicants as well, and even provides some the important opportunity to learn from not being chosen.
“Our goal has been to integrate learning into all aspects of the program’s implementation,” Leckie said. “And it’s been rewarding to see the ways that FAF Grants can transform students’ educational experiences.” ■
Illustrations: Kylie Millward
“Writing a grant can feel like a daunting and intimidating task. The FAF Grant application provides a template with questions, which serves as a foundation for what to include in future grants. For some of us, this was our first time organizing and curating an exhibition. Even with ample planning, a few things surfaced that we had not considered. It was okay for this exhibition to include trial and error, and I think we all walked away having learned something we can utilize for future exhibitions.” — Kylie Millward, FAF Grant recipient, MFA Studio Arts Show (Art & Art History)
“The paperwork was very realistic to me, as well as the amount of people involved. Presenting and pitching this project so many times felt accurate to how important clarity is in your ideas, so that the necessary number of others involved in creating the vision are well updated and prepared for your and their relevant works ahead!” — Sammy Howard, FAF Grant recipient, Animation Crew (Film & Media Arts)
“I feel the FAF Grant process is a good representation of a grant application process I might encounter later in my career. It included planning and communication with artists from as far away as Austria and helped me to put into words the benefits of hosting visiting musicians, both in writing and in a verbal presentation format. Similarly, the obstacles along the way, including paperwork and processes that usually are just behind the scenes, became very clear to me as the project went on.” — Evan Silloway, FAF Grant recipient, Low Brass Society (Music)
“Writing a grant can feel like a daunting and intimidating task. The FAF Grant application provides a template with questions, which serves as a foundation for what to include in future grants. For some of us, this was our first time organizing and curating an exhibition. Even with ample planning, a few things surfaced that we had not considered. It was okay for this exhibition to include trial and error, and I think we all walked away having learned something we can utilize for future exhibitions.” — Kylie Millward, FAF Grant recipient, MFA Studio Arts Show (Art & Art History)
“The paperwork was very realistic to me, as well as the amount of people involved. Presenting and pitching this project so many times felt accurate to how important clarity is in your ideas, so that the necessary number of others involved in creating the vision are well updated and prepared for your and their relevant works ahead!” — Sammy Howard, FAF Grant recipient, Animation Crew (Film & Media Arts)
“I feel the FAF Grant process is a good representation of a grant application process I might encounter later in my career. It included planning and communication with artists from as far away as Austria and helped me to put into words the benefits of hosting visiting musicians, both in writing and in a verbal presentation format. Similarly, the obstacles along the way, including paperwork and processes that usually are just behind the scenes, became very clear to me as the project went on.” — Evan Silloway, FAF Grant recipient, Low Brass Society (Music)
