Grant Opportunity: New York State Council on the Arts

Interesting to note that the NYSCA is giving a "special opprotunity" for organizations to get deeply involved in digitizing materials. Perhaps this is being done in recognition that there are wonderful collections within the state, but relatively few large digitization projects/programs. Hopefully their efforts will spark the creation of rich digital collections.

If you are interested in this grant, please be sure to check the NYSCA web site since it contains needed information on who can qualify, etc.

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Posted: August 4, 2006
Deadline: September 22, 2006

New York State Council on the Arts Announces Special Opportunity to Digitize Grantees' Collections

The New York State Council on the Arts is awarding a total of $2 million through a special opportunity to assist organizations in digitizing their collections to make these collections more accessible to the public.

Applications from NYSCA-funded organizations in all arts disciplines are welcome.

Organizations may submit one application for a project that involves digitizing materials and increasing public access to arts and cultural collections. The project may provide access through Web sites, electronic kiosks, CDs, DVDs, or other electronic distribution means.

Projects may engage the public at large and also have educational and research goals. Collection materials may include, but are not limited to, text, photographs, two- and three-dimensional art and cultural objects, sound and moving image, and documentation or new interpretation that relates to the arts and cultural materials. Projects may have a secondary value in expanding the organization’s use of materials for marketing, publications, collections management, or other purpose.

Awards in the $20,000 to $100,000 range are planned. NYSCA generally will fund no more than 25 percent of project costs. Project budgets should include the costs of digitization and public access components.

These applications are exempt from the council’s four-project limit.

Sponsored projects are not eligible; consortium projects may apply through an eligible NYSCA grantee.

To be eligible, an applicant must currently be receiving NYSCA funding and must own or have designated rights to release the collection materials digitally.

Organizations interested in applying may register online until September 22, 2006. Visit the NYSCA Web site for complete program information and application procedures.

More information:
http://www.nysca.org/public/guidelines/Digitization/digitization.htm