Humanities Grants
Guidelines for Exhibit Projects 2009
The Exhibit Guidelines are a supplement to the Humanities Grant
guidelines . Applicants may apply for support for an exhibit project
in either the Mini Grant or Major Grant category. In preparing a
grant application, follow the deadlines and instructions for a Humanities
Grant, plus the additional information found below.
Click here to download
these Guidelines for Exhibit Projects 2009.
WHAT IS AN INTERPRETIVE EXHIBIT?
Interpretive exhibits use artifacts, documents, photographs,
and other objects to inform viewers about human values and experiences.
An interpretive exhibit always includes a written narrative, or
script, that explains the significance of the visual images and
artifacts presented. An interpretive exhibit includes facts
like identifying names, important dates, and locations. But it doesn't
end there. An interpretive exhibit tells a story, offers different
viewpoints and voices, connects the images and objects to the story,
and encourages viewers to think about why this information is important.
Grant funds can be used to develop permanent or temporary exhibits.
CRITERIA FOR FUNDING
1) KHC funds exhibits whose interpretation is rooted in the humanities:
history, art history, literature, philosophy, women’s studies,
minority studies, and related fields.
2) At least one humanities professional plays a key role in the
exhibit project. Typically this person:
- Meets with project staff to formulate the
interpretive approach to the exhibit;
- Provides consultation to the exhibit staff
during the research and development of the exhibit script;
- Reviews the script while in draft form for
historical accuracy and humanities content;
- Serve as an evaluator of the completed exhibit.
3) The humanities professional serves as a speaker for at least
one public program held in conjunction with the exhibit.
Need help? KHC staff can help identify humanities
professionals.
A project is not eligible for funding without the use of a humanities
consultant.
4) An experienced exhibit designer, or graphic designer, is involved.
This person can serve as a consultant or can be hired to undertake
some of the tasks.
FOR THE GRANT APPLICATION
Include the following information with your final application.
This information can be attached or it can be incorporated into
section three of the project description (schedule of events):
1) A timeline for the production of the exhibit,
showing the approximate time allotted for research, scriptwriting,
production, exhibition time, and public programming, in addition
to who will be responsible for the completion of each of these tasks.
2) An exhibit "walk-through," indicating
the anticipated themes and content of each section of the exhibit.
The walk-through can vary in the level of detail, but should provide
an overview of the anticipated exhibit contents. Sample wording
for an interpretive label, as well as sketches of the exhibit space
and exhibit layout give grant reviewers a chance to "see"
the exhibit through your eyes.
3) A short bibliography of the primary and secondary sources
that will be used as the basis for the exhibit script (required
only in the case of projects which involve substantial research
time).
ITEMS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING
An exhibit grant may fund any or all of the following:
- Humanities professionals’ honoraria and travel
- Salaries for temporary staff or consultants necessary to carry
out the project, such as part-time staff, interns, researchers,
exhibit designers, and consultants
- Additional hours for permanent part-time staff
- Travel costs associated with research trips to archives in Kansas
(out-of-state travel cannot be funded)
- The cost of permissions for, and reproductions of, photographs
to be used in the exhibit
- Typesetting, silkscreening, mounting, framing, and other exhibit
fabrication expenses, including subcontracts with an exhibit production
company
- Panels, Plexiglas, and other materials needed for exhibit mounting
- Installation expenses
- Production of gallery guides or brochures to accompany an exhibit
- Promotion of the exhibit, including banners, posters, direct
mailings, and other advertising
- All costs associated with humanities speakers and other public
programs held in conjunction with the exhibit, the costs of packaging
and shipping the exhibit, if multiple sites are involved
Items ineligible for funding:
- Hardware, such as exhibit
cases or other equipment for mounting an exhibit
- Any audiovisual equipment such as digital projectors, DVD players,
or other AV equipment
- Computers or software
- Structural modification of the building
- Painting of exhibit gallery
- Track lighting
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
KHC staff can assist applicants in the development of exhibit applications,
including responding to specific exhibit ideas and provide samples
of a successful exhibit grant application on request. Need technical
help? Contact Dan Carey-Whalen,
KHC Director of Programs, at dan@kansashumanities.org
or
785/357-0359 for suggestions.
Kansas Museums Association
KMA is a membership organization that serves museums in Kansas.
KMA also offers occasional workshops on exhibit development as well
as an annual meeting. The following staff members from KMA member
institutions have special expertise in exhibits. They can answer
basic questions and offer informal consulting by phone at no charge.
If you would like to request a site visit and more in-depth assistance,
one of the KMA contacts also offers fee consulting as his schedule
permits.
Greg Walters, Exhibits Director (general consulting)
Sternberg Museum
Fort Hays State University
600 Park St.
Hays KS 67601
785/628-4289
Chuck Regier (general consulting & fee consulting)
Kauffman Museum
Bethel College
North Newton KS 67117
316/283-1612
For more information about KMA, visit www.ksmuseums.org
or contact KMA Director Joanie Soukup, at joanie@ksmuseums.org
or 785/840-8984.
TOP
|
