The 2009 Robert & Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowships for Writers
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is the purpose of the Robert & Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowship Fund?
A. To enable Rhode Island writers, visual artists, and composers to concentrate time on the creative process, personal and professional development, expand their body of work and explore new directions otherwise financially not feasible. Funds may support a variety of opportunities including, but not limited to, the purchase of materials, integrating technology, studio rental, artist residency, mentoring, project related training, professional development, and work-related travel. The specific use of fellowship funds is at the artist’s discretion.
Q. Is using the online application the only way to apply for the Fellowship?
A. Yes. All applications must be submitted using the online application form available on The Rhode Island Foundation website, www.rifoundation.org, located by entering MacColl Johnson Online Application in the Search box. No paper materials or separate e-mails will be accepted.
Q. When can I apply for this year’s fellowship?
A. The application opens on June 8, 2009 and the deadline is September 1, 2009 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. The application will close electronically and no applications will be accepted after the deadline. We will be unavailable to answer questions after 5:00 PM Eastern time on September 1, 2009. We encourage you to submit your completed application in advance of the deadline.
Q. How are applications evaluated / reviewed?
A. There is remarkable artistic talent in Rhode Island, therefore fellowships are very competitive. The Foundation convenes a panel composed of qualified out-of-state published authors and literary professionals. The panelists review the application materials independently, and then are invited by the Foundation to meet collectively, and recommend Fellows to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for final approval. Names of participating panelists are not made public. All applicants will be notified of the final decisions by mail.
Q. How are Fellows selected?
A. Artists selected as MacColl Johnson Fellows demonstrate exceptional creativity, rigorous dedication and consistent artistic practice, and significant artistic merit as determined by their application and quality of their samples of work. The selection process also considers the impact a fellowship may have on an artist to advance his/her work and career and explore new directions, not otherwise financially feasible. Applicants may be of any age, but must be in the emerging to mid-career stage of their professional artistic pursuits. The Foundation is committed to supporting artists from diverse cultural, geographic, and personal backgrounds.
Q. When will the 2009 Fellowships for Writers be announced?
A. Applicants will be notified of their status by mail in December of 2009. Following individual notification, the Foundation will issue a news release announcing the Fellowship awards and post the information on the Foundation website.
Q. How will the Fellowships be disbursed?
A. The first payment of $20,000 will be made in January of 2010. The final $5,000 of the award will be provided after submission of a budget report on the actual use of the funds and a typed narrative describing the activities and accomplishments during the fellowship period, and the impact of the fellowship. Support materials documenting the fellowship may include news articles, recorded visual or audio media, internet links, and other ephemera documenting resulting work and activities. The final report should be submitted no later than January 31, 2010.
Q. What will become of the Work Samples submitted?
A. The Foundation will include the Work Samples in its archive of the MacColl Johnson Fellows. The Work Samples of applicants not selected for fellowships will be retained and held confidential with the application history.
Q. Can I apply if I am taking a class in an unrelated subject towards a degree?
A. No. Students who are enrolled full- or part-time in a degree-granting program are not eligible for a fellowship regardless of field of study.
Q. How do I choose the appropriate category in which to apply?
A. Ultimately, this is the applicant’s decision. Review the guidelines carefully and select the most appropriate category on the application. If you are still uncertain at that point, please contact us for advice.
Q. How important is the Statement of Plan?
A. The Statement of Plan provides an opportunity to place in context how a fellowship might advance your work and career and enable you to explore new artistic directions and techniques, otherwise not financially feasible. As this is one of the criteria for selection, the Statement of Plan is very important.
Q. How important is my resume or CV?
A. We request your resume or CV solely to provide an opportunity for panelists to develop an understanding of the context for your work and understanding of your career stage. This is important as panelists are from out-of-state and may not have previous knowledge of you and your work.
Q. Is the fellowship considered taxable income?
A. Recent tax laws suggest that fellowships are taxable income. We urge you to consult your tax advisor. The Foundation will submit a 1099 form to the Fellow and to the IRS. |