Funded by the Chicago-based Joyce Foundation, the Joyce Awards support the commissioning new works by artists of color by Midwest cultural institutions.

The annual program will award grants of $50,000 each in the areas of dance, music, visual arts, and theater to arts organizations in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and St. Paul/Minneapolis.

The dance catagory supports the commissioning and performance of a new choreographed work in any dance genre.  The music catagory supports the commissioning and performance of a new, fully developed compesition in any musical genre.  The theater catagory supports the commissioning and performance of a new play or other theatrical performance.  The visual arts catagory supports the commissioning and exhibition of new work, including painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, mixed or new media, installation and conceptual art.

Cultural organization that have a primary mission to present art through public programs are eligible for the awards.  Organizations must be located in one of five eligible cities and must be well established, demonstrate strong organozational capacity, and have a track record of presenting programs of thehighest artistic caliber.  In addition, organizations must demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse audiences through evidence of current programming, community-based education, outreach, and other activities.

The proposed work should not be developed beyond the conceptual stage at the time of the application and should not be completed before January 2011.  Projects should include significant efforts by the institution and the artists to engage it's community and attract new audiences.

Click here for complete program information is available at the Joyce Foundation web site.