What do panelists look for when deciding who gets an award or grant? And what actually happens behind the scenes of a grant panel? Drawing upon the expertise of former NYFA Grants Director and current Grants Manager at the Matisse Foundation Judy Cai, this conversation will address key “do’s” and “don’ts” of submitting an arts grant. (FREE)
In conversation with NYFA Learning Program Officer, Career Advice and Training Kelly Olshan, the pair will unpack some myths and misconceptions around grantmaking, including:
- Who is actually making the funding decisions
- What the process looks like from the panelists’ perspective
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Why you don’t need to be intimidated by the budget!
- When it’s appropriate to reach out to the Grant Officer
Tune in on IG Live @nyfacurrent or @torpedofactory to watch! An opportunity for Q & A will be provided.
Guest Speaker:
Judy Cai, Grants Manager of The Matisse Foundation and Former Director of NYFA Grants
Judy Cai is the Grants Manager of The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation. Her work focuses on managing the foundations’ grantmaking portfolio, analyzing grant-related data, and monitoring program budgets to better support organizations providing arts education in New York City.
Prior to this position, she was the Director of Grants at the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). In her role, Judy oversaw NYFA’s awards and grants program that delivers over $4 Million in funding directly to artists across the U.S. each year. She also worked at NYFA Learning as the Senior Program Officer, and facilitated various professional development programs for artists and arts professionals nationwide, such as the Immigrant Artists Mentoring Program (IAP) and the Incubator for Executive Leaders of Color.
Originally from China, Judy holds a M.A. degree in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University, a B.S. degree in Culture and Arts Management, and a Bachelor of Law degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Judy was the fellow of the 2021 Coro New York’s Immigrant Civic Leadership Program.
The series includes:
- Finding the Right Open Calls, Residencies, & Galleries for You
- Cultivating Art Sales and Patrons
- Behind the Scenes of a Grant Panel
This opportunity is presented in partnership between Torpedo Factory Art Center and New York Foundation for the Arts.
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is a 501(c)(3) service organization that provides artists, emerging arts organizations, arts administrators, and students with critical support, professional development tools, and resources for defining and achieving career success. NYFA was established in 1971 to serve individual artists throughout New York State. Since then, they have extended their programs and services throughout the United States and internationally and expanded our scope to serve additional members of the arts community.