Ok, yeah. This one DOES sound a little complain-y
In my last post, I vaguely shared about an artist’s grant that I applied for.
The quick recap:
A friend forwarded me a website to an organization based in Tacoma, WA (where I live) offering several grants worth up to $7,000.
My creative medium (writing) was included and I decided to put together an in-depth packet to apply back in February or March.
Near the application deadline, the president of the organization sent an email to all of the applicants. Reminder that the recipients are being reviewed by the private 5-person selection committee- made up of local WA artists. Performers, “producers,” etc.
The email was signed off by the president, who happened to be headlining comedian that I’ve known for long while. Very funny. Very kind person.
I found the organization Instagram and found that one of the previous year’s recipients were some WA comedians who perform and produce a show at a Seattle comedy club. A club that the org president (and likely some of the selection committee) is also involved with.
I became concerned about the legitimacy of this grant. They charged a fee to apply. The board and selection committee are private (which is probably normal?). And the president has a clear and direct connection (by way of being actively participating and belonging) to an entire category of applicants.
We are now several weeks into July and nothing has been announced. I’ve noticed a couple of comments on the org’s Instagram post asking if winners have been selected. The account owner liked that comment and that’s it.
I’ve sent out an email asking if there will be any “better luck next time” emails or announcement of the grant recipients selected. That email has gone unanswered.
I realize that this whole thing sounds like I’m whining that I didn’t get it.
Look, I’ll crowdfund my book project. I’ll reach out to some friends who enjoy what I’m doing and ask for a little online boost. A grant would have saved some time and allowed me to afford paying to use all local businesses and other local artists in my city to work on my project.
What irks me, is the possibility that the only comedy-category applicants that were ever going to be selected, are stand-up comedians that this president or the selection committee know or who all may directly or indirectly benefit from.
I don’t believe that this is the intention of the organization or of its president, but it certainly doesn’t look above reproach. The radio silence on who DID get selected only feeds that nagging suspicion.
It’s also funny to me to have a grant organization’s ethos (and name) be centered around combatting the gate keeping in WA arts communities while continuing to stand near another closed gate with a chance for a key if you just pay $25.
End of rant. Next week; something “fun.”