The Artist of the Year (AOTY) embodies the cultural vibrancy of our region and the impact the arts have in shaping thought, inspiring change, and creating a deeper sense of connection in our community.

Focused on the visual arts, the award gives the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC) the opportunity to not only recognize, but partner with an artist, highlighting their contributions to the community through their work.  The Artist of the Year plays a vital role in helping the AFCC raise funding and awareness for its mission.

The AFCC’s mission is to support, promote, and celebrate the arts and culture of Cape Cod in order to sustain a vibrant, diverse, and strong arts community. The Artist of the Year aligns with this mission, as our organization has the distinct honor to select a recipient based on craftsmanship, artistic quality, creative ability, and impact on our cultural region and beyond.

We celebrate the artist by:

• Publicly announcing the individual through our Patron and Artist network via traditional and social media outlets. The AOTY will be quoted and samples of work will be shared as part of promotional efforts.
• Artist is included in the AFCC’s Modern Love Artist Speaker Series. Event is open to the public and shared on our YouTube channel.
• AOTY is commissioned to work with AFCC on a piece that represents the Artist’s current body of work to be auctioned off at the AFCC’s annual June gala (more info below).
• AFCC coordinates an April unveiling event of said piece. Attendees will include regional and local media, legislators, community leaders, art patrons, sponsors, and supporters of AFCC. We also extend the invitation to any of the Artist’s friends, family, collectors, and selected guests. The venue will be on Cape at one of our cultural institutions.
• Auction of piece at the AFCC’s June Prelude to Summer gala at the Hyannisport Club. Artist receives two complimentary tickets. The focus of the event will be the artist’s commissioned piece. The AFCC is committed to bringing qualified buyers and art lovers to the gala.
• In collaboration with AFCC, AOTY may opt to license artwork to mutually benefit Artist and Arts Foundation.
• Recognition as Artist of the Year is a long-term commitment between Artist and the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod.  The Artist will be part of an esteemed community that we will recognize beyond the one-year anniversary.

Selection of Artist

Artist of the Year is selected based on craftsmanship, artistic quality, creative ability, and impact on our cultural region and beyond. This recognition is ultimately at the sole discretion of the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod.

There is no application process, but there is an opportunity for the public to nominate an artist. While there is no firm deadline, the review of Artists begins in September with a decision announced in January. This timeline is subject to change.

The AFCC works with an Advisory Committee made up of arts professionals that may include educators, gallerists, museum directors, and curators. Committee members are the connection to what is happening in the arts community.  They have the ability to introduce candidates for group discussion, but the AFCC Board of Directors makes the final decision with a strong reliance and guidance of the Advisory Committee.

How to Nominate

We are open to suggestions and introductions.  Our online Artist of the Year Nomination Form will be open year-round.

Nomination Form will include the following:

• Submitters Name & Contact Information
• Artist Name & Contact Information
• Artist must resident at least half the year (six months) on Cape Cod, Nantucket, or Martha’s Vineyard.
• Website & Social Media addresses
• List any special recognition, awards, exhibitions of note, etc. that this artist has received or participated in.
• How is the artist involved in the community?
• Please explain how this nominated artist embodies the cultural vibrancy of our region. Are they socially- and/or environmentally-minded? Does their work provoke thought and inspire change? Does their work educate the public on challenging community issues. Does this artist engage with the community?
• If necessary, please include any supplemental information you’d like us to consider about the artist you are nominating.

*Artist of the Year is selected based on craftsmanship, artistic quality, creative ability, and impact on our cultural region and beyond.

Mission 

The Provincetown Performing Arts Fund (PPAF) strives to provide stability and life-saving support to our beloved community of performance artists who have been instrumental in making Provincetown a vibrant and diverse entertainment destination. 

PPAF’s Vision 

A Provincetown that supports its vibrant community of performance artists in order to encourage economic growth, build community and inspire creativity. 

Who the PPAF Serves 

The PPAF serves performance artists, musicians, theatre professionals, and technical production staff. PPAF strives to support those who earn their living within the performing arts as well as providing support for emerging artists committed to working and living in Provincetown. Performance Artists are an integral part of our community. These artists rely heavily on the already unpredictable ‘seasonal tourism’ for their income. Within the season they depend not only on tourism, but entertainment venues, bars, and most importantly social engagement in order to survive. It became apparent, especially during the Covid-19 crisis, that many of our local and treasured artists would suffer a staggering loss of income based on necessary social distancing guidelines. The PPAF was created to support these individuals whose contributions make up the fabric of our community.

PPAF Supports performing artists in the following ways:

The fund will provide up to $1,000 per applicant per calendar year to support full or part time professional performance artists who have lost income used to sustain their creative practice due to the Covid-19 crisis. 

Some Examples of what qualify as an urgent need:

• Food 

• Rent 

• Transportation 

• Ferry Tickets 

• Bus Tickets 

• Utilities 

• Necessary Performance Equipment 

• Tools necessary to allow the artists to work

• i.e. Instrument and Equipment Repair/Maintenance 

 Documents needed - upload below:

• Proof of applicant’s primary residence in Provincetown (ex. tax/utility bill, car registration)
• One (1) jpg image, video or audio file of your work
• Brief artist statement, including its connection to broader community

 Funding and Support

• Payments of up to $1,000 will be made to qualified applicants.
• An applicant may apply and receive funding more than once, but no more than one time per calendar year. 
• Funds will be distributed starting end of September 2020 until funding runs out.
• Applications are reviewed weekly.
• Applicants will be notified of status within 10 business days. 

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by PPAF's review committee and members of the AFCC Board of Directors, and are subject to approval and available funds. 

Questions? Please email:
Jwake@ArtsFoundation.org
Julie Wake
Executive Director
Arts Foundation of Cape Cod

 Welcome to AFCC Access.  This form is the first step in connecting a child in your life to quality arts programming here on Cape Cod.  Your child or mentee must be associated with one our community partners: YMCA Achievers; Big Brothers, Big Sisters; Greater Hyannis Supporting Our Youth Task Force; Cape Cod Child Development; Grandparents Raising Grandchildren on Cape Cod; and Cape Cod Children’s Place.  

Please note:

The AFCC works with community partners who have systems in place for assessing financial need and will give preference to partners with mentor programs or committed leadership to create a successful match between student and cultural organization.

The cultural organization providing the programming will be paid directly, not through the student, his or her family, or any community partner.  Funding may be available for additional expenses related to class and will be coordinated through the cultural organization.

You will hear back from the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod in a timely fashion, within 5-10 days or sooner. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions to Julie Wake at jwake@artsfoundation.org  

School Bus Funding from the AFCC Access Fund

AFCC School Bus funds will provide grants up to  $250 to help schools with the transportation costs of student cultural field trips. The field trips must be in the arts, sciences, or humanities. Examples: art and science museums; historic sites; and music, theater, and dance performances.

Eligibility

• Any Barnstable County school (public, charter, parochial, or independent) serving grades K-12 can apply.
• The field trips must be focused in the arts, but trips that combine science or humanities with the arts will also be considered. 
• Types of field trips that DO NOT qualify for funding are trips to sporting events, amusement parks, or other similar outings.

FAQS

When is the application deadline?

There is no deadline, but applications must be in at least 30 days prior to the trip. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Grants will be awarded until funds run out.  Our goal is to spread the funding equitably among all Cape schools that apply.

Can an independent or faith-based school apply?

Yes, all Barnstable County schools serving grades K-12 are eligible to apply.

Someone else in my school already received a grant for this school year. Can I apply too?

Yes, the AFCC may award more than one bus grant to the same school and/or teacher.  However, the AFCC reserves the right to approve or deny application in order to distribute the funding equitably  so all schools may benefit. 

What types of trips do no qualify for funding?

Types of trips that DO NOT qualify for funding are trips to sporting events, amusement parks, and outdoor activities such as class beach trips. Field trips to performances put on by students are not eligible, as the goal of the program is to provide students with a professional cultural experience.  The trip must meet the mission of providing access to arts and culture for all students.

Can we get a grant to travel to a destination outside of Massachusetts? 

Yes. 

What is the maximum amount of money we can ask for?

$350.

We want to go on more than one field trip in this school year. Can we apply for another grant?

Yes, however  you should also research funding through Mass Cultural Council as well as your local cultural council for funding for additional field trips.

How will we know that the AFCC has received our application?

Once you have successfully submitted your online application, a confirmation email will be sent.

How will we know if our application was approved or not?

Within three weeks of submitting your application, you will receive an email from the AFCC telling you whether or not your application has been approved. Be sure your email account is set to allow messages from jwake@artsfoundation.org.  All funding decisions are final.

How do we get the money?

A check will be made out to the school and will include the teacher and department along with a note stating that funds are restricted for the specific field trip.  The check will go out USPS. Applicant contact will be notified check has been sent. It is up to the applicant to follow through on receipt of funding.

Who arranges for the bus and pays the bus company?

You or your school are responsible for making all bus arrangements and payments.  The AFCC is not liable for school bus arrangements or contractual services made between the bus company and school/teacher.