Robert & Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowships: 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 visual artists, composers, and writers 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 through the Alliance of Artists Communities, using the online application on the ArtsApp website, listed as The Robert and Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowships. No paper materials or separate emails will be accepted.
Q. When can I apply for this year’s fellowship?
A. The application opens on July 1, 2011 and the deadline has been extended to September 6, 2011 at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The application will close electronically and no applications will be accepted after the deadline. 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 is employing the Alliance of Artists Communities, an independent national association, to manage applications and the jury process for The Robert and Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowships. The Alliance will convene an out-of-state panel of qualified visual arts professionals. The panelists review the application materials independently, as well as collectively, and then 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 2011 Fellowships for Music Composition be announced?
A. Applicants will be notified of their status by mail by early January 2012. Following individual notification, the Foundation will issue a news release announcing the Fellowship awards and post the information on the Foundation website and Facebook page.
Q. How will the Fellowships be disbursed?
A. The first payment of $20,000 will be made in January of 2012. 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, 2013.
Q. What will become of the applications submitted?
A. The Foundation will archive digital files of all applications and Work Samples from the winners. Work Samples and certain information about Fellows may be used by the Foundation for communications purposes, while the records of applicants not selected for fellowships will be 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. If I have a website, why should I include it on the application?
A. You are not required to have a website, but if you have a site related to your artistic practice, it provides the panelists the option to learn more about 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. |