XARTS Fund

Please Note: Internal funding is not available to support participation in faculty-led Winter Term group projects.Additionally, funding can't be used to pay current Oberlin College students, faculty or staff.

Overview

The XARTs Fund supports the development and execution of collaborative, multi-disciplinary, artistic projects to be implemented during winter term or summer by students in both the College of Arts & Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. A multidisciplinary arts project is generally defined as a collaboration of disciplines working towards a single project outcome. The single project may be executed by one or more artists with each discipline treated as a separate entity collaborating TOGETHER towards a common goal. Individual or group projects that demonstrate creative and focused multi-disciplinary endeavors will be awarded grants of up to $4,000.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare for the application process and the challenges of implementing funded project by taking advantage of workshops, courses, and advising through the Office of Conservatory Professional Development and the Creativity and Leadership Program. Applicants are encouraged to review their proposal prior to submission with Susan Ellinger, Associate Director of Professional Development.

Who should apply?

All current Oberlin College of Arts & Science or Conservatory of Music students – in good academic standing – are eligible to apply.

• Only applicants working toward multidisciplinary projects will be considered.
• The XARTS Fund is not available to support an individual’s participation in a group winter-term project, unless the individual’s use of the grant is to support distinctive work separate from that of the group project.
• Each discrete project may be funded only once by the XARTS Fund.
• Students on leave are not eligible for funding.

Application Process

Prior to starting your application please prepare the following materials. Once in the form, you will not be able to save and return:

1. Project title
2. Project summary (50 words or fewer)
3. Amount requested (not to exceed $4,000)
4. Narrative: A detailed description of the project and implementation plan. The narrative should:
   1. Describe the way(s) in which the project is multi-disciplinary, creative, innovative, and compelling.
   2. Address how the project will advance the professional goals of the applicant(s).
   3. Not exceed 2,000 words.
5. Budget: One page (sample budget )
   Provide a summary of the expenses associated with your activities and expected revenue from other sources, if any. Please note the following stipulations on expenditures:
   1. Expenditures on acquired (not renting) capital goods – such as laptops, software and equipment in general – may not exceed $100.
   2. Students may not pay themselves a salary, though they may pay others directly for their services.
   3. Award money may not be spent on liquor.
6. A 100-word biography and unofficial Oberlin transcript for each student involved in project.
7. A signed, confidential letter of support from a College or Conservatory faculty member who can comment on your ability to implement the proposed project. Faculty members may submit letters of support directly to Jeanne Rosecrans  or attach the letter in a sealed envelope signed by the referee to Jeanne’s office (Kohl 309).
8. Supporting audio, video, or portfolio files that highlight your work.
9. If your project includes the research of human subjects, please review information about Oberlin’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) process and contact Susan Ellinger prior to submitting your application.