QCA has grants for artists, dancers, kids

The Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) continues to keep its 40-year mission to promote cultural growth and help artists alive with a palette of grants and workshops this fall, but time is running out for some.
The application deadline for a grant from the Queens Community Arts Fund (QCAF) is rapidly approaching according to the group, which awarded $253,000 to 28 individual artists and 33 non-profit organizations last year.
The application submission deadline is September 18 for arts-related organizations and October 2 for individuals. All new applicants are required to attend an application information session - those who have not applied within a year are also encouraged to attend.
The remaining sessions for organizations are: on Thursday, August 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chocolate Factory, 5-49 49th Avenue in Long Island City and on Tuesday, September 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens.
Individuals can attend on Wednesday, September 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rockaway Artists Alliance, in Fort Tilden or on Wednesday, September 17 at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica.
Dancers, choreographers, and performers also have reason to kick their heels.
One of the most important performing arts services organizations in the city is having a special presentation at the Chocolate Factory Theater in Long Island City, on Tuesday, September 23, at 6 p.m.
Dance Theater Workshop (DTW) provides fundraising and marketing support as well as access to rehearsal subsidies; creative residencies; workshops in choreography and arts management; dance writing; online networking and more.
DTW staff as well as artists who have received DTW’s services will enlighten those who attend the intimate question and answer session.
Space is limited, and QCA advises those interested to register soon by e-mailing Chris Henderson at chenderson@queenscouncilarts.org.
Another leg-up for the artists in the dance community will be a QCA-sponsored, in-depth workshop on presenting their work to the world through the internet, to be held on Tuesday, September 25, hosted by Topaz Arts in Woodside.
They can have their website reviewed by peers and gain insight into online options from professionals like Jaki Levy of Misnomer Dance Theater and the directors of Third Rail Projects.
Smart steppers will reserve at once, by e-mailing Meredith Blouin at mblouin@queenscouncilarts.org.
QCA’s “Art Builds Community” workshops are coming this fall with a series of five interactive seminars. Thespians and others can benefit from the programs by Stage Presence Online, on a variety of interesting topics, from social networking to career planning to publishing.
In addition, they will provide three chances to meet and greet the health care specialists from Fractured Atlas.
QCA has also announced a new program, The Roger Madoff Literary Fellowship. The prestigious fellowship includes a $10,000 cash award, a year’s residency to the Writer’s Room and access to literary opportunities through QCA.
The online application should be available on Friday, September 12 and full details will be appearing on the web site soon, according to QCA.
They even have a blog at QCA, administered by Arts Services Director Chris Henderson and Arts Services Associate Meredith Blouin.
Every Thursday they cover a new and relevant topic on arts in Queens and provide links to the events, seminars and opportunities artists need to know about.
Don’t be afraid to add your own voice to the conversation, they say. Visit https://queenscouncilarts.org/blogs/artservices/, to read the first entries.
An umbrella organization established in 1966 to promote cultural growth and the development of the arts in Queens, QCA has awarded more than $2,000,000 in grants to artists and arts organizations and provided arts education to more than a million Queens school children.
Visit the QCA website at www.queenscouncilarts.org for more information.