The program seeks to support projects that originate from pure artistic inquiry and creative impulse, to accentuate the artistic activity that takes place outside traditional arts venues—in temporary spaces, community gathering places, libraries, studios, publications, digital platforms, among others—and promote the development of experimental practices that bring artists and audiences together in new ways.

Though funded projects must be rooted in the visual arts, the program welcomes interdisciplinary approaches that engage performance, film, publishing, social practice, technology, installation, sound, community-based collaboration, and other emerging forms of artistic expression.

Projects may be temporary or ongoing, but must have a culmination and/or at least one public engagement during the project period that does not occur within a BCA regular program, or as part of another organization or institution’s regular programming. While funded projects may intersect with social, cultural, or environmental concerns, competitive proposals should be driven primarily by artistic vision and the desire to create meaningful public engagement with contemporary art. 

For more than 45 years, BCA has invested in artists as an essential component of community life and contemporary art as an invaluable platform for reflection, imagination, and collective dialogue. Building on the organization’s foundation, the Verge Artist Fund establishes a new place in our region’s ecosystem for contemporary artists, organizers, and creative thinkers. 

Timeline 

January 8: Applications open 

January, February, March: Information sessions in-person and via Zoom

April 16: Applications due 

May 14: Jury meets 

June 15: Contracts complete, payments issued  

Review Criteria 

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: 

• Artistic Excellence 
  The strength, originality, and clarity of the proposed project, including its potential to contribute to contemporary artistic discourse. 

• Experimentation and Inquiry 

The extent to which the project demonstrates creative risk-taking, exploration, collaboration, or innovative approaches to artistic practice. 

• Public Engagement  

The project's potential to create meaningful opportunities for audiences to encounter, experience, or engage with contemporary art. 

• Feasibility 

The applicant's ability to realize the proposed project within the timeline and resources provided.

Application Preview: 

Brief Project Summary. 100 words 

Describe your proposed project. What will be the artistic outcome, how does it relate to past work, who will be involved and how will the project evolve your artistic practice? 500 words 

Provide a project timeline and locations of activities. 200 words 

Explain the intended audience, how the project will be made accessible to the public, and outline engagement strategies/promotional plan. 200 words 

Include up to 5 work samples (jpgs, websites, video links, should be no more than 10 minute max juror review); a list of work sample descriptions and credits  

Include a project budget using the template provided. 

Selection 

Projects will be evaluated by a three-person committee solely on the strength of the proposal and its alignment with program goals. While applicants must reside within the four-county service area, funding decisions will not be based on geographic distribution. 

Eligibility 

Who Can Apply 

To be eligible to apply, applicants must: 

• Be able to submit a W-9 form with an individual’s social security number (BCA recommends that applicants establish a relationship with professional advisors prior to accepting grant funds to understand personal tax and reporting implications) 

• Be a practicing artist 18 years or older with a visible track record of creating artwork 

• Designate one primary contact if applying on behalf of an informal group 

• Be a resident of Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties (P.O. boxes will not be accepted as a location identifier but can be accepted as a mailing address)  

Who Should not Apply 

The following are not eligible to apply to the Verge Artist Fund: 

• Staff and board members of Burlington City Arts 

• Current year fund panelists 

• Prior year funding recipients (2028 and beyond) 

• Prior recipients who have not completed final reporting requirements  

• Individual youth under the age of 18  

• Students enrolled in a degree program 

• Formal organizations (schools, non-profit institutions, religious institutions) 

What the Verge Artist Fund Will Support 

• Artist fees 

• Supplies and materials needed for the execution of the project 

• Expenses associated with production of the arts project, i.e.: space and equipment rentals, professional services 

• Event insurance  

• Travel expenses related to project 

• Marketing/publicity and other outreach costs 

What the Verge Artist Fund Does Not Support 

• Contingency funds 

• Capital improvements or depreciable equipment 

• Operating expenses of privately owned facilities (e.g. mortgage or rent or utilities for homes, studios)  

• Projects proposed to take place in a BCA program space (BCA Center, BCA Studios) 

• Residency fees 

• Projects that take place as a regular programming component of an existing organization or institution 

• Projects with no public engagement component 

• Projects with multiple funding sources. Projects must be feasible to complete using only funds requested from the Verge Artist Fund