JANUARY 9, 2023

INITIATIVE OVERVIEW

For a second year, the BARR FOUNDATION/ will provide generous subsidies and other funding to help creatives present work at the JMAC.

Funding is available to individuals and organizations that meet at least one of the following criteria: 

• membership in the Worcester Cultural Coalition
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• ​leadership from and/or focus on programming that uplifts historically marginalized or underrepresented groups, such as the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities

Funding Opportunity 1: Rent Subsidy in the BrickBox Theater  
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Eligible presenters will receive subsidized venue rental costs on a first-come-first-served basis through June 30th, 2023 or until available funds are exhausted.

Staffing and other direct costs still apply. 

Eligible presenters with dates already confirmed through June 30th, 2023 will automatically qualify for the rent subsidy and need not rebook. 

To apply to present, submit the form in the pink BRICKBOX RENT SUBSIDY dropdown located under the MORE INFORMATION header on this page. ​

Funding Opportunity 2: Project Sponsorships 
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By way of a two-step application process, presenters will be selected to receive comprehensive support for a proposed project, including:

• up to $10,000 in venue space rental and staffing cost subsidy

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• ​up to $15,000 in discretionary funds to pay creatives, create marketing materials, and cover other direct costs related to the event​

The Project Sponsorships timeline is as follows:​

• Jan 19, 6pm, Info Session
  
• Jan 31, 12am, 1st Round Apps Due
  
• Feb 24, 2nd Round Interviews
  
• Mar 1, Final Selection
  
• Mar 15th, Grantee Orientation

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To learn more and submit a first round application, click the PROJECT SPONSORSHIP tab from the pink dropdown under the MORE INFORMATION header on this page. 

MORE DETAILS

BRICKBOX RENT SUBSIDY

Eligible presenters will receive subsidized venue rental costs on a first-come-first-served basis through June 30th, 2023 or until available funds are exhausted. 

Staffing and other direct costs still apply. 

Eligible presenters with dates already confirmed through June 30th, 2023 will automatically qualify for the rent subsidy and need not rebook. 

To submit a new application, please return the form below.

BRICKBOX PRESENTER
Application

PROJECT SPONSORSHIPS

Eligible presenters may apply for up to $10,000 subsidy of venue rental and staffing costs, and up to $15,000 in discretionary funds.

The application process will include two rounds. The first round is a quick and dirty application to get your idea on paper, and share more with us about who you are as a creative force.

Applicants selected to move to round two will be asked to revise their proposal based on feedback from the selection committee.  The revised proposal will be presented at a second round interview on February 24th, 2023. Interview time slots will be provided for applicants to choose from.

Applicants selected from the second round will be notified on March 1st, 2023, and are required to attend an orientation at the JMAC on March 15th, 2023.

PROJECT SPONSORSHIP
First Round Application

FAQ's

Q: Who qualifies as an eligible presenter?

A: Individuals, collectives and organizations must meet at least one of the following criteria: 

- membership in the Worcester Cultural Coalition

- leadership from and/or focus on programming that uplifts historically marginalized or underrepresented groups, like the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities

Please note: funding opportunities are not available to religious or political organizations.

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Q: What is the Worcester Cultural Coalition, and how do I become a member? 

A: Click HERE/ to learn more!

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Q: I've already booked dates for 2023.  Do I qualify for the rent subsidy, and can I apply for a Project Sponsorship?

A: Eligible presenters who have already booked dates through June 30th, 2023 will automatically qualify for the rent subsidy. 

All presenters, including presenters who have already booked through or beyond June 30th, 2023 are welcome to apply for a Project Sponsorship.  

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Q: I've read everything on the website and still have questions -- how can I learn more?

A: Save the date for an info session on Q+A session we held on January 19th, 2023!

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Q: Is there a person to whom I can reach out with questions? 

A: Yes! Please email teamjmac@jmacworcester.org and we'll get back to you soon!

INITIATIVE HISTORY

In 2022, Barr funding resulted in the BrickBox Theater being used 233 days of the calendar year, with another 40 days use of the rehearsal studio. 

Meanwhile, the PopUp supported 21 Barr-funded events and provided peripheral support to much of the BrickBox programming. The PopUp hosted another 80 non-Barr events and 18 exhibits, cementing its reputation as an equitable, accessible creative space.*

Barr Organizations and individuals awarded funding in 2022 include:

• Jennifer Gaskin and Giselle Rivera Flores / Don’t Touch My Podcast
• Flamenco Worcester
• Jewish Theatre Company of Central Massachusetts
• Broadway in Worcester Free Student Masterclass with Tony Award Winner Laura Benanti
• Darren Cole and Missy Whiteman / Coyote Way X: Expanded Cinema
• studioXpresents
• Queer the Scene
• Jean-Sebastien Duvilaire / JSDDance
• Casita Cultura Latina
• Michael Skrzek and Jackson Jirard / Woo on Tap

*As a reminder, the PopUp is always free to use when events are made available free and open to the public.