Dear Ms/r. Rejected:
Thank you for applying to the 2010 Art Fellow Program of [State in Which I Live]. While I regret to say that your work was not recommended for funding, I want you to know your investment of time, energy, and vision in creating new art in the state is deeply appreciated.
Applications for [This Program Name] were open to all eligible artists. A total number of 1064 with 632 in Fiction/Creative Nonfiction, and 272 in Poetry, among the other categories. etc....
F*#$ing states and their fancy rejections for Art Fellowships.
ReplyDelete"Now if you'll just kindly volunteer (for free) to carry appetizer trays at our charity functions for the next 5 years, maybe do a little bar tending (also for free), do some phone banking in your spare time (using YOUR phone), maybe, possibly in the far distant future we will generously offer you a $1,500 2nd place grant."
ReplyDelete(You know, the same amount of money you could have EARNED from a real job in one-tenth the time it takes us to decide you're talented.)
Based on some unique circumstances and the appearance of rare grant opportunities last year, I was rejected by FOUR different grants at the state/county/city level. All told, I lost out on the chance of a total of $37,500. Bam.
ReplyDeleteFor all four, I came close -- making it to the final rounds, etc. But of course I ended up with only four lovely rejections.
Based on funding woes at these various arts organizations, etc., I think at least the largest 3 of these grants will not be offered next year. And after next year I might move out of state.
In conclusion: I am boned.