Dear Artists,

The Board of Directors of the Anne McKee Artists Fund of the Florida Keys, Inc., is proud to offer grant opportunities to individual visual, performance and literary artists who reside in Monroe County.

The Fund was created to give project-based assistance to individual artists.  Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need or to promote recognition of emerging talent. Other factors which are considered are a history of dedication and excellence in the recipient's area of expertise and a continued commitment to the cultural community of Key West and the Florida Keys. Grants are awarded in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Fund after fair and careful consideration and, in varying amounts up to $1000 per recipient.

The Fund, additionally, has set aside two special grants to be awarded to young aspiring artists; one in the amount of $300 to assist a child under age 14 with instruction and up to $1,000 for a young person age 14 or older for instruction or a project. 

Only the 2011 grant application form will be considered and must be submitted with a separate, typed narrative of explanation as detailed in the application form. Any materials submitted will not be returned.

Complete applications must include (i) an attached Grant Application form for the appropriate year and (ii) a separate typed narrative as detailed in the application form. Grant Application forms will be available from March 1 to March 31 at the Fund's website and at announced locations in and around Key West, Florida. Please note that materials submitted will not be returned.

Projects are to be completed within one year of receipt of grant monies. Upon completion of the project, the grant recipient is required to report to the McKee Board of Directors on the final disposition of the project and provide evidence that a body of work has been created.

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 31, 2011 in accordance with instructions instructions set forth in the application form. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Artists must provide one (1) original and six (6) copies of the application and all supporting material. In the event that additional information is required, kindly plan to make yourself available for a telephone or in-person interview on Monday, April 11.

Should you have any questions regarding how to complete the application, please direct them to Libby Curtis at (305) 296-4031. Due to the large number of applicants, we request that artists not phone for the Board of Directors final decision. All applicants will be notified by email and/or postal mail on or before May 15, 2011.

Thank you for your interest in the Fund.  We wish you the best of success with your artistic endeavors.

Sincerely,

Libby Curtis, President