Today we released part one of our first Arts Grant Panel interview. Since artists and arts organizations were left scrambling for support this spring due to the budget cuts at the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, we decided to launch our first panel discussion with experts who have experience as grant writers, grantors and grantees. Our goal is to shed light on grant funding and provide suggestions entities should consider when writing for grants.

Joining us are:

David Holmes, an Educational Programming Manager at Candid, where he helps nonprofits and individuals find funding. He also coordinates national trainings and educational programming for the Midwest region. https://candid.org/

Diane Scott, The Director of Artist Services at the Regional Arts Organization Mid-America Arts Alliance, She is the founding director and principal designer of the Artist INC professional development program. Now in its 16th year, Artist INC programs have been offered in eight states and completed by more than 2,500 artists. https://artistinc.art/about/artist-services-team/ and https://www.dianerscott.com/about

Drew Tucker is a vibraphonist, educator, and national arts leader redefining what it means to be an artist and advocate today. As Director of the Jazz Road program at South Arts, he oversees millions in national grant funding to support jazz artists across the country. https://www.southarts.org/about/staff-and-board-directors and https://www.itsnotaxylophone.com/

​If you want to apply for an arts grant, make sure you listen to this interview!

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with David Holmes. He’s an Educational Programming Manager at Candid, where he helps nonprofits and individuals find funding. He also coordinates national trainings and educational programming for the Midwest region.
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David returned to Candid in 2015 from a position as Senior Consultant at Grants Plus, writing grants and doing research for a variety of large and small nonprofit clients. In his initial nine-year tenure with Foundation Center, Dave served in various roles including Regional Training Specialist, Interim Director of Foundation Center – Cleveland, and the Director of Capacity and Leadership Development.

If you’ve ever wanted to write a grant, learn where you can find information about grants, or learn more about the grant writing process, you won’t want to miss our interview with David! https://candid.org/

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with David Holmes. He’s an Educational Programming Manager at Candid, where he helps nonprofits and individuals find funding. He also coordinates national trainings and educational programming for the Midwest region.
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David returned to Candid in 2015 from a position as Senior Consultant at Grants Plus, writing grants and doing research for a variety of large and small nonprofit clients. In his initial nine-year tenure with Foundation Center, Dave served in various roles including Regional Training Specialist, Interim Director of Foundation Center – Cleveland, and the Director of Capacity and Leadership Development.

If you’ve ever wanted to write a grant, learn where you can find information about grants, or learn more about the grant writing process, you won’t want to miss our interview with David! https://candid.org

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with Craig and Ally Black, the Founder and Managing Director respectively for Scottish visual artist Craig Black. Craig is renowned for his innovative “Acrylic Fusion” technique— a hand-poured paint process that creates mesmerizing art.
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His art has been exhibited in London, Sydney and Dubai, and his style and versatility has led to collaborations with global brands including FIFA, Porsche, Red Bull, Jaguar, the NBA and the NFL.

Make sure you check out Craig’s website to see his stunning artwork! https://craig.black/

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with Craig and Ally Black, the Founder and Managing Director respectively for Scottish visual artist Craig Black. Craig is renowned for his innovative “Acrylic Fusion” technique— a hand-poured paint process that creates mesmerizing art.

His art has been exhibited in London, Sydney and Dubai, and his style and versatility has led to collaborations with global brands including FIFA, Porsche, Red Bull, Jaguar, the NBA and the NFL.

Make sure you check out Craig’s website to see his stunning artwork! https://craig.black/

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with Ranee Ramaswamy, the Founding Artistic Director of the Ragamala Dance Company, along with her daughters Aparna and Ashwini. Aparna is the Executive Artistic Director, Choreographer and Principal Dancer in the company; and Ashwini is a Choreographic Associate, Dancer, and Communications Director.
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The Ragamala Company tours extensively worldwide and has appeared at venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and Jacob’s Pillow. Individually, they have won numerous awards including Guggenheim Fellowships, US Artist Fellowships and over a dozen McKnight Fellowships. This brief bio just scratches the surface of their accolades, so make sure you visit their website to see their impressive list of accomplishments and media! https://www.ragamaladance.org/

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with Ranee Ramaswamy, the Founding Artistic Director of the Ragamala Dance Company, along with her daughters Aparna and Ashwini. Aparna is the Executive Artistic Director, Choreographer and Principal Dancer in the company; and Ashwini is a Choreographic Associate, Dancer, and Communications Director.

The Ragamala Company tours extensively worldwide and has appeared at venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and Jacob’s Pillow. Individually, they have won numerous awards including Guggenheim Fellowships, US Artist Fellowships and over a dozen McKnight Fellowships. This brief bio just scratches the surface of their accolades, so make sure you visit their website to see their impressive list of accomplishments and media! https://www.ragamaladance.org/

Today we released part two of our interview with Zoro. Known by musicians around the world as the “Minister of Groove,” he’s one of the world’s most respected and award-winning drummers. For more than thirty years, Zoro has been consistently voted the #1 R&B drummer and clinician by music industry publications such as Modern Drummer, Drum! Magazine, and Rhythm Magazine.

He’s toured and recorded with celebrated musicians, including Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, Frankie Valli, New Edition, and Jody Watley. In addition to performing, he’s a teacher, author, and an inspirational speaker who’s worked with organizations such as Compassion International, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and the Head Start Organization.

You won't want to miss this uplifting story of a teen on the edge of homelessness who overcame adversity to become a performing artist who uses his experiences to help others reach their goals! https://zorothedrummer.com/ and https://www.zoroministries.org/about-zoro/