Program Guidelines:
The pilot Cash Advance Program is aligned with Pentacle’s mission of centering communities who have a history of limited access to credit and support services. Towards this end, they will be prioritizing applicants who identify as artists of color, LGBTQIA+ artists, immigrant/undocumented artists, and/or artists with disabilities. In prioritizing these historically marginalized groups, they seek to acknowledge and address the disparities that have impacted these groups’ abilities to practice their art forms in the United States.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE:
- Based in NYC
- A performing arts entity in operation for at least 2 years
- Have an operating budget under $250K
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY:
- Practice values of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion in every aspect of their work
- Show a commitment to establishing a strong business infrastructure for their art
- Have clear goals to use and return the cash advance within the 12-month period.
Application Process:
Artists who are interested in participating in the pilot Cash Advance Program must complete an online application form, which asks them to share their goals and financial plans for the funds.
EXAMPLES OF PROJECT PLANS COULD BE:
An advance for final rehearsals and production of a new work before its premiere dates and before contracted fees come in.
Start-up funds for a new community performance project that has strong potential to garner grants and individual donations.
An advance to explore new earned income-generating activities, such as producing private events, getting commissions, or developing classes and workshops.
An advance to hire a development consultant who will help the entity grow its board and its fundraising efforts.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Eligibility Review: Pentacle will review applications to confirm eligibility according to the Program Guidelines listed above. All applicants who are deemed eligible will move on to the panel selection process. Applicants that do not pass this review will be notified.
Panel Selection: Applications will be reviewed by assembling a team of panelists composed of named mentors, board members, and staff. Panelists will make their selections based on three key factors:
Equity: Applicant practices Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion in every aspect of their work
Infrastructure Support: Applicant shows a commitment to establishing a strong business infrastructure for their artistic practice.
Clear Goal Setting: Applicant has thoughtfully set clear goals to use and return the cash advance within the 12-month period.
Notifications: The panel will select five artistic entities to participate in the Cash Advance Program. All applicants will be notified by June 30, 2022.