Accelerating Digital Transformation in the Arts
Digital integration in the arts allows artists and arts organizations to reach broader audiences and strengthen ties with communities. The Art + Tech Expansion Fund seeks to support artists and arts organizations across Detroit by equipping them with technology to further their work.
Applications are now closed. Please check back in the coming weeks for an announcement on successful recipients.
Funding decisions for the Art + Tech Expansion Fund will be made based on the applicants’ capacity to use technology to increase the impact and reach of their work. Categories eligible for funding are:
- Purchase and installation of hardware and/or software (e.g., licensing of archiving software, installation of live streaming equipment, purchase of cloud storage)
- Build-out/permanent infrastructure (e.g., installation of networking equipment, outdoor projections)
- Staff or contract support (e.g. contract videographer, full-time web developer, social media manager)
- Website design and development
- Mobile application development
- Digitization/archiving (e.g. digital collection photography, media conservation/preservation, archives records management, etc.)
Open to individual artists, non-profit arts organizations, and arts collectives based in Detroit. Applications must explain how an artist or arts organization will use technology to further their work or mission.
Information Sessions
View the recent virtual information session:
You may schedule an appointment with a member of our Knight Arts team to discuss your application by clicking here.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What does the fund support?
The Art + Tech Expansion Fund provides support for technical capacity-building to arts practitioners in Detroit. The Fund provides operational support to working artists and non-profit arts organizations. The Fund is not project-based; prospective grantees will not need to create new work or new projects to qualify for funding. Funding decisions will be made based on applicants’ demonstrated capacity to use technology to increase the impact of their work.
- Who can apply?
Any working artist with a residence or studio in Detroit, or a non-profit arts organization or collective with an office in Detroit may apply.
- Are for-profit organizations eligible?
No.
- Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No, the Art + Tech Expansion Fund is open to applicants of all nationalities, provided you live or work in Detroit.
- Do you have to be at least 18 years old to apply?
Yes.
- How many applications may I submit?
We accept one idea per applicant.
- How much money can I ask for?
Individual artists may ask for up to $25,000. Organizations or collectives may ask for up to $100,000.
- Do I have to provide a letter of support if my idea is contingent on another organization or partner?
Yes. A letter of support is required from critical key partners.
- How can I gain an edge in my application?
The Fund is intended to increase the long-term capacity of working artists and arts organizations. We encourage applicants to be as detailed as possible on how the application of technology will have a lasting impact on their work, and ultimately, on their community.
Applications that emphasize the long-term impact of the application of technology will have an edge over those that emphasize short-term or unclear goals. Here are some example descriptions:
NOT GREAT: By procuring our own podcasting equipment, we’ll be able to make more podcasts every year.
GOOD: Purchasing this podcast equipment will enable my organization to produce 15 additional podcast episodes per year, while reducing the cost of each podcast by 30%.
EVEN BETTER: We currently increase our podcast subscription base by approximately 20 people per episode we produce. Because we rent our equipment, we can only produce 10 podcast episodes per year. By owning our podcasting equipment, we could reduce the per-episode cost and produce an additional 15 episodes per year. We expect this to lead to an increase in our subscriber base by approximately 300 people per year.
- Who reviews my entry?
Knight staff, with the aid of independent arts experts from the community. Ultimately, the final decision lies with Knight Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
- When will winners be announced?
Winners will be announced in December 2023.
- How soon will we hear back with a decision on our applications?
Members of the Knight arts team will contact applicants via email approximately two months after the closing date. We will inform you of our decision at that time, and we may have additional questions about your application.
- If my proposal is not accepted, will I know why?
Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to share with you the reason your proposal was not selected.
- I’ve read through the FAQs. How can I learn more insights into the challenge?
Feel free to send questions to [email protected].