University of California Institute for Research in the Arts

          

**we are experiencing technical difficulties with our online application system  - please refer to the instructions below to complete your UCIRA application**        

UCIRA applications will be accepted electronically and should include only the following information. Applications that deviate from this format and word/size limit will not be considered for funding. All applications should include the following and be sent to: zchapman@ucira.ucsb.edu

  1. UCIRA summary sheet (this is the cover sheet – download here)
  2. host venue form (if appropriate – download here)
  3. answers to the following 16 application questions (see application questions below)
  4. abbreviated c.v. for each applicant/participant
  5. letters of recommendation and/or commitment of support/funding (up to 3)
  6. work samples (3 @ 250k or smaller, jpeg format)
  7. optional longer narrative description of your project (1200 words max)
  8. other attachment (1)

All work samples (originals of 3 jpegs and any other additional samples) must also be sent directly to the UCIRA offices at the following address: (postmark of February 15th is acceptable)
UCIRA
6046 HSSB
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara CA 93106-7115

Work samples sent via U.S. mail may be higher quality images, video, and other formats. You may also send additional examples of your work, although your application will be judged primarily on the 3 samples that complete your online application.

Application Online Questions:

  1. In one sentence, describe your project
  2. Give a brief summary of your project (300 words)
  3. Describe the final form(s) your project will take (100 words)
  4. What is/are the context(s) for your work? (150 words)
  5. Describe in what ways your project takes an innovative approach to research in both form and content – be as specific as possible (100 words)
  6. How would UCIRA funding for this project serve as a catalyst for your creative and/or professional growth? (100 words)
  7. What impact do you hope your project will have? (i.e. – aesthetic, intellectual, pedagogical, social, etc.) (100 words)
  8. Identify your intended audience(s). How will your project reach or connect with them? (100 words)
  9. Describe the appropriate venue(s) for your work? Do you have existing affiliations/relationships with these venues? (100 words)
  10. What is the time frame in which your project will take place? Provide a brief production/presentation schedule
  11. UCIRA has traditionally been interested in providing support for projects that are collaborative and/or interdisciplinary in nature. As appropriate, address the ways in which your project expands notions of collaboration of interdisciplinary practice (100 words)
  12. Within an academic context, how does your work advance creative, scholarly and/or pedagogical practices?  (100 words)
  13. How does your research engage beyond the its academic frame and connect with a broader public discourse? (100 words)
  14. UCIRA project funding may extend beyond forms of monetary support. What resources might be provided to help you realize/advance your project?
  15. What resource commitments have you secured for this project, including monetary and/or in-kind support. Please describe these commitments and include them in the budget (see below, question # 16)
  16. Please provide a project budget and short narrative budget justification (no more than 2 pages total)

 

UCIRA Submission Guidelines:
Proposals submitted to the UCIRA go through a rigorous evaluation process. The following criteria are considered during the review of applications:

Artistic excellence of the project: quality of the work proposed.

Quality of the proposal: How well does it meet UCIRA's goals and standards? Is the project clearly conceived? Is the proposal sufficiently detailed to permit a reviewer to judge its quality?

Significance of the proposed project: Is the proposed research innovative and timely? Does the applicant establish the originality of the project? What is the relative importance of the proposed work within its own discipline or field and with respect to other research? Does the proposed project have the potential to contribute new insights into arts practice and theory in the UC system?

Impact of the proposed project: Does the project have the potential to enhance knowledge, understanding, appreciation, and access to the arts in the UC system? Where appropriate, does the project have the potential to reach a large cross-section of culturally diverse or ethnically specific students and/or larger communities? Where relevant, will UCIRA sponsorship result in a significant institutional impact and benefit?*

Ability to carry out the proposed project at a high level of excellence: Is there a clear and concrete project design or plan? Are the goals of the project clearly articulated? Is the budget well researched and detailed? Have proposed facilities, equipment, and/or sites been researched, contacted, and established? Is there evidence that key participants have committed to the project? Where relevant, is there evidence that participating cultural communities have been involved in the project's planning?

Budget Projection
Does the project and its proposed scope realistically align with the projected budget?  Is the budget outline effectively researched and accurate? Does it provide enough detail to ensure the project’s realization in an effective and timely manner?

Other funding sources: The UCIRA expects all applicants to secure additional, matching, and/or "in kind" funding from sponsoring units, participating campuses, and departments. Evidence that such funding has been secured or is actively being sought, should be clearly demonstrated in the project proposal.

*In cases where UCIRA has recently funded a similar project, preference may be given to an area not previously funded.

If you have additional questions, please contact Holly Unruh (hunruh@ucira.ucsb.edu) or ZouZou Chapman (zchapman@ucira.ucsb.edu)