Opportunity Information: Apply for S LMAQM 10 RFA 002
Apply for S LMAQM 10 RFA 002
- The Department of State in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Official U.S. Presentation at the 54th International Art Exhibition, Venice, Italy" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 00.000 Not Elsewhere Classified.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 11, 2009 and posted on Dec 11, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 5, 2010. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $350,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
- Eligibility is limited to not for profit organizations subject to 501 (c) (3) of the U.S. tax code. Eligible applicants are U.S. based non profit museums, schools, galleries, and visual arts organizations. Independent curators wishing to apply must seek affiliation with a non profit institution to take on the responsibility of fiscal management for the project. Participating curators and proposed artists must be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status in the U.S. Artists whose work is proposed for representation must be U.S. citizens.
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Opportunity Summary:
This grant opportunity is an open competition from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (Cultural Division, ECA/PE/C/CU), to select and fund a single organization to produce the official United States presentation at the 54th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2011. The Department is looking for a proposal that can credibly represent the most compelling work being made in the United States at the time, with a clear preference for newly commissioned projects rather than repackaged or previously toured exhibitions. While the exact Biennale dates were not finalized in the announcement, the program notes that recent editions typically run roughly from June through November, meaning applicants should be prepared to plan for a long public run plus the pre-opening installation period and post-closing deinstallation and shipping.
The award is structured as a cooperative agreement (not a simple no-strings grant), which signals that the Department of State expects ongoing coordination and oversight as the project develops. Pending the availability of funds, up to $350,000 is anticipated to cover the full life cycle of the exhibition: curatorial and exhibition development, preparation and production, installation, ongoing maintenance during the run, and restoration of the U.S. Pavilion at the end of the project. The budget can also support return shipping or onward shipping of the work after the Biennale concludes, as well as travel for curators and key participants. Separate, additional support may be available for a publication and for public programs, but with an important limitation: public program funds would be provided directly to the U.S. Embassy rather than routed through the grantee, and those programs would be organized by the curators in consultation with the U.S. Embassy in Rome and ECA cultural staff.
A key operational feature of this opportunity is that day-to-day staffing and facility operations for the U.S. Pavilion in Venice are not expected to be carried by the applicant alone. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection (PGC) in Venice will provide staffing, maintenance, and operations of the U.S. Pavilion during installation and throughout the approximately six-month exhibition period. The Pavilion itself is owned by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and managed by PGC, and the announcement emphasizes that PGC leadership and staff work closely with the State Department and the chosen curatorial team to install and maintain the official U.S. exhibition. The Pavilion is also described as a historic, neo-classical building designed in 1929 by Delano and Aldrich, which matters because proposals need to demonstrate that the exhibition concept is realistic for the physical constraints and conservation responsibilities of the site, including the expectation of restoration at project closeout.
Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education, per the listing), including museums, galleries, schools, and visual arts organizations. Independent curators are allowed to participate, but only if they affiliate with an eligible nonprofit that will take on fiscal and administrative responsibility for the award. The announcement also sets clear citizenship/residency requirements tied to the diplomatic nature of the national representation: participating curators and proposed artists must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents, and the artists whose work is presented must be U.S. citizens.
In terms of intent and rationale, the opportunity is rooted in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (the Fulbright-Hays Act), framing the Venice presentation as cultural diplomacy. The stated purpose is to increase mutual understanding, demonstrate U.S. cultural and educational achievements, strengthen ties with other nations, and support friendly international relations. This context is important because competitive proposals are implicitly expected to do more than mount a strong show; they should make a persuasive case for why the chosen artist(s) and curatorial approach meaningfully represent contemporary U.S. artistic practice on a global stage and how the project will engage international audiences within the high-profile setting of the Biennale.
Administratively, the opportunity was posted December 11, 2009, with a proposal deadline of March 5, 2010, and it anticipates one award. The funding opportunity number is S-LMAQM-10-RFA-002, and the agency is the U.S. Department of State. No cost sharing or matching is required. The announcement also points applicants to a State Department cultural exchanges webpage for additional details and lists a grants management contact for access issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is an open competition from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (Cultural Division, ECA/PE/C/CU), to select and fund one organization to produce the official United States presentation at the 54th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2011.
How many awards will be made?
The announcement anticipates one award (a single organization will be selected).
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is S-LMAQM-10-RFA-002.
What agency is offering the award?
The awarding agency is the U.S. Department of State.
What is the expected award amount?
Pending the availability of funds, up to $350,000 is anticipated.
What type of award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?
The award is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the Department of State expects ongoing coordination and oversight as the project develops (it is not a simple, hands-off grant).
What can the main award funds be used for?
The anticipated budget (up to $350,000) is intended to cover the full life cycle of the exhibition, including curatorial and exhibition development, preparation and production, installation, ongoing maintenance during the public run, and restoration of the U.S. Pavilion at the end of the project.
Can the budget include shipping costs?
Yes. The budget can support return shipping or onward shipping of the work after the Biennale concludes.
Can the budget include travel?
Yes. The budget can support travel for curators and key participants.
Is additional support available for publications or public programs?
Yes. Separate, additional support may be available for a publication and for public programs, subject to the limitations described in the announcement.
How are public program funds handled?
Public program funds (if available) would be provided directly to the U.S. Embassy rather than routed through the grantee. Public programs would be organized by the curators in consultation with the U.S. Embassy in Rome and ECA cultural staff.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The announcement states that no cost sharing or matching is required.
When was the opportunity posted and what is the application deadline?
The opportunity was posted on December 11, 2009, and the proposal deadline is March 5, 2010.
What event is being supported?
The project supports the official United States presentation at the 54th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale in 2011.
Are the exact Biennale dates provided?
No. The exact dates were not finalized in the announcement, but it notes that recent editions typically run roughly from June through November.
How long should applicants plan to operate the exhibition?
Applicants should be prepared to plan for a long public run (approximately six months, based on recent editions) plus the pre-opening installation period and post-closing deinstallation and shipping.
What kind of proposals does the Department of State prefer?
The Department is looking for a proposal that can credibly represent the most compelling work being made in the United States at the time, with a clear preference for newly commissioned projects rather than repackaged or previously toured exhibitions.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education, per the listing). Examples named in the announcement include museums, galleries, schools, and visual arts organizations.
Can institutions of higher education apply?
No. Institutions of higher education are excluded from eligibility per the listing.
Can an independent curator apply directly?
Independent curators may participate, but only if they affiliate with an eligible nonprofit organization that will take on the fiscal and administrative responsibility for the award.
Are there citizenship or residency requirements for curators?
Yes. Participating curators must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
Are there citizenship requirements for artists?
Yes. Proposed artists must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents, and the artists whose work is presented must be U.S. citizens.
Where will the exhibition be presented?
The exhibition will be presented in the U.S. Pavilion in Venice.
Who owns and manages the U.S. Pavilion?
The Pavilion is owned by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and managed by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (PGC) in Venice.
What operational support does the Peggy Guggenheim Collection provide?
PGC will provide staffing, maintenance, and operations of the U.S. Pavilion during installation and throughout the approximately six-month exhibition period.
Does the applicant have to staff and operate the Pavilion day to day?
No. The announcement indicates that day-to-day staffing and facility operations are not expected to be carried by the applicant alone, because PGC provides staffing, maintenance, and operations during installation and the exhibition run.
Does PGC work with the selected organization and the State Department?
Yes. The announcement emphasizes that PGC leadership and staff work closely with the Department of State and the chosen curatorial team to install and maintain the official U.S. exhibition.
What should proposals consider about the Pavilion as a site?
The Pavilion is described as a historic, neo-classical building designed in 1929 by Delano and Aldrich. Proposals should demonstrate that the exhibition concept is realistic for the physical constraints of the site and aligned with conservation responsibilities.
Is restoration of the Pavilion required at the end of the project?
Yes. The announcement includes restoration of the U.S. Pavilion at the end of the project as part of the exhibition life cycle to be covered by the anticipated budget.
What is the purpose of the project from the government’s perspective?
The opportunity is rooted in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (the Fulbright-Hays Act) and frames the Venice presentation as cultural diplomacy intended to increase mutual understanding, demonstrate U.S. cultural and educational achievements, strengthen ties with other nations, and support friendly international relations.
What does the cultural diplomacy context imply for proposals?
Competitive proposals are expected to make a persuasive case for why the chosen artist(s) and curatorial approach meaningfully represent contemporary U.S. artistic practice on a global stage and how the project will engage international audiences within the Venice Biennale setting.
Where does the announcement direct applicants for additional information or access issues?
The announcement points applicants to a State Department cultural exchanges webpage for additional details and lists a grants management contact for access issues.
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| NEA Access to Artistic Excellence, FY 2011 Apply for 2010NEA01AAE1 Funding Number: 2010NEA01AAE1 Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
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| NEA Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth, FY 2011 Apply for 2010NEA01LITA Funding Number: 2010NEA01LITA Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| NEA Literature Fellowships Creative Writing, FY 2011 Apply for 2010NEA03LFCW Funding Number: 2010NEA03LFCW Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| NEA Mayors Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Statement of Interest Apply for 2010NEAMICD Funding Number: 2010NEAMICD Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Official U.S. Presentation at the 12th Cairo International Biennale, Cairo, Egypt Apply for S LMAQM 10 RFA 003 Funding Number: S LMAQM 10 RFA 003 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NEA Access to Artistic Excellence, FY 2011 Apply for 2010NEA01AAE2 Funding Number: 2010NEA01AAE2 Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Lowell Folk Festival Apply for NPS 10 NERO 0006 Funding Number: NPS 10 NERO 0006 Agency: National Park Service Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $88,500 |
| NEA Project 20/20 Apply for NEAPS1004 Funding Number: NEAPS1004 Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| NEA Arts on Radio and Television, FY 2011 Apply for 2010NEA01ARTV Funding Number: 2010NEA01ARTV Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Art and Conservation Stewardship Program Apply for NPS 10 NERO 0013 Funding Number: NPS 10 NERO 0013 Agency: National Park Service Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $54,000 |
| NEA Creativity and Aging in America, FY 2010 Apply for NEAPS1005 Funding Number: NEAPS1005 Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $70,000 |
| Cataloging Archeological Collections Apply for NPS NOI J8158100901 Funding Number: NPS NOI J8158100901 Agency: National Park Service Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $39,000 |
| NEA Literature Fellowships Translation Projects, FY 2012 Apply for 2011NEA03LFTP Funding Number: 2011NEA03LFTP Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| NEA Literature Fellowships Fiction and Creative Non fiction, FY2012 Apply for 2011NEA03LFCW Funding Number: 2011NEA03LFCW Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Official U.S. Presentation at the 13th International Architecture Exhibition, (2012), Venice, Italy Apply for S LMAQM 11 RFGP ECA 001 Funding Number: S LMAQM 11 RFGP ECA 001 Agency: OFFICE OF ACQUISITIONS MANAGEMENT Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Process and Catalog Archives Collections Apply for NPS NOI J8158110402 Funding Number: NPS NOI J8158110402 Agency: National Park Service Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| Maine Acadian Culture Project Apply for NPS 11 NERO 0029 Funding Number: NPS 11 NERO 0029 Agency: National Park Service Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Cataloging Archeological Backlog Apply for NPS NOI P11AT00568 Funding Number: NPS NOI P11AT00568 Agency: National Park Service Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $25,907 |
| NEA Arts in Media, FY2012 Apply for 2011NEA01AIM Funding Number: 2011NEA01AIM Agency: National Endowment for the Arts Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
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