The Year of the Arts steering committee has partnered with the Dartmouth Centers Forum to invite students to apply for grants for Winter and Spring 2013. Students can request up to $4,000 in project proposals that encourage student engagement with the arts through workshops, discussions or performances.
This past fall, three projects were funded in part by the DCF and the steering committee. They included the Throwback Dance Party presented by the urban dance group Street Soul, a recital and orchestra concert led by Paul Finkelstein '13 and a play titled "Talk: Tunes & Thoughts" based on Carl Hancock Rux's 2002 award-winning play "Talk." These grants helped students raise awareness of various types of art performances on campus, including theater and street art.
Presidential Fellow Rachel Sarnoff '12, who works on these grants, said that these arts-related projects on campus will not only foster an appreciation for the arts but also emphasize a greater understanding of the world.Seventeen students submitted proposals, Sarnoff said.
"[We] are working with students to facilitate meaningful discussions about the power of the arts, especially the arts at Dartmouth," Sarnoff said. "This goal can be achieved through panels, workshops, discussions and performances that will enable all members of the community to consider how powerfully the arts affect our understanding of the world, its people and its problems. If you have an idea, we want to help make it happen."
The DCF and the steering committee aim to respond to growing political, ideological, social and intellectual dissonance in society, as well as to incorporate student involvement in planning these activities, Sarnoff said.
"The Year of the Arts features a spectacular lineup of exhibitions and visiting artists, but in order to make this celebration of the arts at Dartmouth complete, we need students to plan ways to showcase the tremendous talents that they bring to campus every year," Sarnoff said.
Students were encouraged to fill out proposal forms found on the DCF's website explaining the details of their project if a grant were to be approved. The deadline for proposal submissions was on Jan. 11, and the selection committee will choose the grant recipients by Jan. 18.
When discussing possible events to grant funding for, the selection committee is looking for a collaboration between the arts community and the College community at large, Sarnoff said.
"Ultimately, the selection committee is looking for projects that will bolster an interest in the arts on campus and raise awareness of arts appreciation," Sarnoff said. "Proposals that demonstrate collaboration among organizations and strive for intergroup dialogue and engagement are highly encouraged."
Sarnoff said the group hopes to highlight the importance of arts on campus.
"I think Dartmouth is really special because students have multiple passions and identities, so applications are not limited to students in specific academic departments or extracurricular groups," Sarnoff said. "I hope that the mini-grants can provide the funding and publicity needed to bring this art to a larger stage."
