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CREATIVE EXCHANGE FUND (CXF)

The Creative Exchange Fund (CXF) is a programming initiative designed to activate The Medium as a community-led destination by promoting professional performing artists, artist residencies, curatorial opportunities, and music development in partnership with the Tyson Family Foundation.

In all, CXF will support the creation of more than 30 activations in 2023 – 2024.

Artist Support Info & Dates

June 12, 2023

Applications Open

June 15, 2023

6-7:30pm

Introducing The Creative Exchange Fund, virtual info session

CLICK HERE

June 20, 2023

5-6:00pm

Spectra Series, virtual info session

CLICK HERE

June 21, 2023

5:30-6:30pm

Mixtape Music Series, virtual info session

CLICK HERE

June 22, 2023

6-7pm

Producers, virtual info session

CLICK HERE

June 24, 2023

10:30 – 12pm

CXF: The Medium in-person site tour

CLICK HERE

June 27, 2023

6-7pm

The Platform, virtual info session

CLICK HERE

June 28, 2023

11a – 12p

The Medium Artist Residencies (MARs)

CLICK HERE

June 28, 2023

6-7:30pm

CXF Application Workshop, virtual info session

CLICK HERE

July 17, 2023

Applications Close

Late August 2023

Award Notifications

ARTIST ARCHIVE

LEARN MORE ABOUT PREVIOUS CREATIVE EXCHANGE FUND RECIPIENTS AND THEIR PROJECTS.

CHECK OUT OUR ARTISTS

PANELISTS

Applications are reviewed by five separate panels, one for each CXF opportunity. Each panel consists of members from The Medium’s Advisory Committee and Leadership Council, CACHE, and representatives of the Tyson Family Foundation. Panelists are experts in at least one artistic discipline, possess an understanding of the creative communities of Northwest Arkansas, and are representative of a variety of communities, experiences, and backgrounds. Please note that in the instance a panelist has applied for one of the CXF opportunities, they will not be allowed to panel the particular fund they applied to.

FAQ

WHAT IS THE CREATIVE EXCHANGE FUND (CXF)?

At CACHE, we understand that the creative process takes time, money, and affordable space to work. The Creative Exchange Fund (CXF) invests in creatives by providing funding, professional development, and free space to take creative risks.

Five unique opportunities exist to support live performances, community events, artists in residence, and innovative exhibitions. The Creative Exchange Fund (CXF) is a programming initiative designed in partnership with the Tyson Family Foundation to bring life, art, and community experiences to The Medium, a CACHE creative hub and artist-led venue located in downtown Springdale, Arkansas.

WHAT IS THE MEDIUM?

The Medium is an artist-led project of CACHE dedicated to removing barriers between creatives, their work, and their audiences by providing accessible studio, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition space.

The Medium is located at 214 South Main Street in Springdale, Arkansas. This 25,000 square foot performing and visual arts space houses a blackbox theater, 371-seat theater, green rooms, traditional gallery spaces, classrooms, and a flexible studio space. Each of these spaces are made available as part of our effort to expand equity, inclusion, and expression across artistic disciplines.

WHAT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE CREATIVE EXCHANGE FUND?

The Creative Exchange Fund consists of five individually funded programming opportunities:

The Creative Exchange Fund consists of five individually funded programming opportunities:

Producers
The Producers fund supports innovative community-engaged events organized by individuals or organizations. The Medium campus serves as a launchpad for event producers to generate greater social and artistic impact. Learn more about Producers here.

The Platform
The Platform fund supports performance-based artists and organizations presenting new work for the stage. The Medium’s 371-seat theater provides an opportunity to engage large audiences in a theatrical setting. Learn more about The Platform here.

Mixtape Music Series
The Mixtape Music Series is a free, all-ages, live music series that funds 16 musicians presenting original work. Each monthly Mixtape performance consists of two 45 to 60-minute acts within the Blackbox, Stage or Main Gallery. Learn more about the Mixtape Music Series here.

The Medium Artist Residencies
The Medium Artist Residency provides practicing 2D and 3D visual artists a creative studio space for six weeks; allowing them to take creative risks, expand artistically, and build relationships with the community. Learn more about The Medium Artist Residencies here.

Spectra Series
Spectra Series invites visual artists, artist collectives, and art facilitators to host a group exhibition in either The Medium’s Main Gallery or outdoor campus. This fund celebrates bold, innovative, and thought-provoking collaborative exhibitions with at least three artists. Learn more about the Spectra Series here.

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE CXF FUND?

No. Lead artists should select the fund most closely aligned with the discipline and scope of their proposed project; however, lead artists may participate in additional CXF projects for which they are not listed as lead artists.

IF I RECEIVED A CXF AWARD LAST YEAR, AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY THIS YEAR?

Yes, as long as you’re applying for a different CXF sub-fund. For example, if you received a Producers award last year, you are not eligible to apply for or receive a Producers award this year.

WHAT ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Eligible artistic disciplines vary with each funding opportunity. See each opportunity for specific information.
Eligible disciplines include:

  • Film/Video/Animation–Storytelling, visual, or performance based art using film, audio, broadcast, or multimedia.
  • Dance and Movement–All genres, artist led or collaborative
  • Theatre/Comedy/Circus Arts–Classical, new, showcase, experimental, community based
  • Visual Arts–Painting, sculpture, fabric, photography, printmaking, folk, traditional, drawing, craft, public art, and digital art.
  • Music–All genres to be presented to all age audiences
  • Literature/Poetry–Storytelling and spoken word, lectures, workshops
  • Art Facilitation-Identifying, assembling, managing, and presenting various aspects of an exhibition/artistic experience
  • Interdisciplinary–Combination of visual, performing, musical, digital, and/or conceptual disciplines

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Each fund requires that applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Artists and organizations are not eligible to reapply for a fund they have previously received in 2022/2023, however they may apply for a different fund as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility varies with each fund. Please see each fund to view the full list of eligibility requirements.

DO I HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS TO APPLY?

You must be a resident of Arkansas to apply for The Platform and The Medium Artist Residencies (MARS). You do not need to be a resident of Arkansas to apply for the Producers, Mixtape Music Series, and Spectra Series funds.

Eligibility varies with each fund. Please see each fund to view the full list of eligibility requirements.

ARE THERE OTHER COMMITMENTS TO THIS PROGRAM?

Selected lead artists are required to attend the virtual Meet and Greet on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 6-9 pm. A post-program assessment is required for all projects.

Professional development opportunities and mentorships are designed for and available to CXF recipients throughout the duration of the program.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEET AND GREET?

The September 6 Meet and Greet is a virtual convening for CXF artists to create a community network. Lead artists are asked to introduce themselves and share a synopsis of their projects.

To ensure a successful partnership, the Medium and CACHE staff will give an overview of programming logistics, outline project deliverables, walk through contracts, and answer questions. Lead artists are required to attend and all project collaborators are welcome.

WHEN DO APPLICATIONS OPEN?

Applications open June 12, 2023.

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Applications close 7/17/2023 at 5 pm central time.

WHAT DOES THE APPLICATION INCLUDE?

The application process will gather information in three main areas: lead artist information, supporting information for the artists/organizations applying, and the proposed project description. If you are applying as a group of artists, arts and culture organization, or for-profit entity, please note that your proposed project must have a lead applicant.

 

The application for each fund will vary, but all will include basic proposal information such as:

  • Lead Artist Information (Geography, Discipline, Level of Experience)
  • Artist Statement/Organization Statement of Purpose
  • Relevant Experience
  • Work Samples
  • Project Proposal (project description, timeline, budget, list of artists/organizations/partnerships)
  • Preferred Dates for project

HOW DO I APPLY?

Determine which funding opportunity best fits your proposed project’s discipline and scope. You may apply for only one opportunity. Submit your application by 5 pm CT on July 17, 2023. You will need to create a free Submittable account at www.submittable.com in order to apply. Please reach out to Submittable’s Customer Support team with any technical questions at support@submittable.com

WHO WILL BE REVIEWING APPLICATIONS?

Panelists reviewing project proposals will be experts in at least one artistic discipline, possess an understanding of the creative communities of Northwest Arkansas, and/or be a representative of a variety of communities, experiences, and backgrounds.

WHAT IS THE REVIEW CRITERIA THAT PANELISTS CONSIDER?

Professional/Artistic Growth and Risk-taking: Project represents an opportunity, artistic challenge, or a stretch for the applicant(s). Clearly outlines why this is the project/work the applicant wants to do now and how it relates to and furthers career and artistic goals. Project involves artistic risk. Applicants communicate a sense of curiosity and their proposal demonstrates that they are dreaming big.

Capacity/Feasibility: Applicant outlines a track record demonstrating the capacity and skill to carry out their proposed project. Clearly takes into account the feasibility of their project within the CXF program restrictions (whether that be physical space, time allotted, equipment needs, etc.). Applicant’s budget and project proposal align.

Artistic Vision and Strength of Concept: Applicant demonstrates a clear, compelling vision or purpose for their work in general. The proposed project concept aligns with this vision or purpose. The proposed project is relevant, interesting, inspiring, and thought-provoking.

WHEN WILL THE APPLICANTS BE NOTIFIED?

All applicants will be notified in early September of 2023.

WHEN WILL ARTIST FUNDS BE DISTRIBUTED?

Funded projects will receive 100 percent of their award upon execution of a formal, counter-signed grant agreement.

HOW CAN CXF FUNDS BE USED?

Funds awarded must be used for direct costs including artist fees, project related materials and supplies, travel costs, consultant fees, contractual services, facilities costs, marketing and promotion costs, and health and safety supply costs associated with the CXF project. Funds cannot be used for capital expenditures such as computers or large depreciable equipment.

HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

Support for artists and organizations interested in the Creative Exchange Fund can be accessed by attending or viewing one of the zoom information sessions, attending the application workshop and scheduling 1:1 consultation time with CACHE/The Medium staff. The information sessions will be recorded and available online.

WHO IS THE LEAD ARTIST

The lead artist acts as the appointed representative and principal contact person for a CXF project but does not have to participate in project activities. For example, a lead artist completes the online application; maintains responsibility for the project and deliverables; serves as the primary point of communication with CACHE; signs the contract and receives payment, and works closely with The Medium staff to coordinate event dates and details.

CAN THE LEAD ARTIST PARTICIPATE IN OTHER CXF PROJECTS

Yes, lead artists may be members of other CXF projects for which they are not listed as lead artists.

HOW WILL CACHE & THE MEDIUM PROMOTE MY PROJECT OR EVENT?

Artists and organizations are responsible for the promotion, publicity, marketing and outreach of their work. Content and promotional materials that are delivered in a timely manner prior to the project period may be shared out by CACHE and The Medium at their discretion. All recipients will be encouraged to add their projects to the Arkansas Creative Calendar, CACHE’s comprehensive regional arts and cultural calendar.

CAN I SELL TICKETS TO MY CXF EVENTS? CAN I SELL ART AT MY CXF EVENT?

Yes, tickets and artwork may be sold at all CXF events with the exception of the Mixtape Music Series concerts which are promoted as free events; however, merchandise may be sold at Mixtape Music Series concerts. Programs who choose to sell event tickets or pieces of work are responsible for the implementation and administration of a sales point.

DO I GET TO KEEP THE MONEY FROM MY TICKET OR ART SALES?

Yes, projects who choose to sell event tickets, merchandise, or artwork are responsible for the implementation and administration of a sales point and will keep 100 percent of earned revenue.

WHAT IS THE WORK PERIOD?

CXF projects and their associated events will take place during an assigned Work Period, specific to each fund. Lead artists should carefully consider feasibility when selecting Work Period options on the application.

IF AWARDED, CAN I CHANGE MY ASSIGNED WORK PERIOD?

Requests for changes will not be considered unless under dire and immediate circumstances. The Creative Exchange Fund artists will collectively occupy over 700 days of overlapping projects and programs. Shifting Work Periods poses a significant challenge that would affect other CXF recipients.

CAN I USE ADDITIONAL SPACES WITHIN THE MEDIUM THAT ARE NOT DESIGNATED TO MY FUND?

No. Each funding opportunity has a designated location within the facility. If you’d like to reserve additional space, you will need to coordinate that separately by emailing Thalia Madewell at thalia@cachecreate.org

Any questions can be answered by cxf@cachecreate.org