Congratulations to the microgrant recipient, Basi White!
2024 microgrant Recipient:
Audience members have selected Aniekanabasi White as this year's microgrant recipient. The microgrant will help pay for the debut of the animated film that Sensiil Studios, Iowa's 1st black comic book company, has produced. The film is debuting November 15th at Fleur Cinema.
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Selected creatives:
Tina Campbell (Iowa's 99 photo project), Kristy Evans (Indianola Indoor Art Show), Jeremiah & Megan LaBresh (Art is Rad), and Aaron Earl Short (12:12 Music Project).
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​What is a microgrant?
The goal of a MicroGrant is to provide an opportunity for individuals or groups to launch a concept/project, continue to build upon a project, or to put the finishing touches on a project. By presenting in front of an audience, the selected presenters have the opportunity to connect with community members they may not normally cross paths with. The MicroGrant amount is dependent on the number of tickets sold - usually around $1,000.
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How Does It Work?
Creative's of all disciplines are encouraged to submit their project. A committee will review the submissions, looking for at minimum, five viable projects to participate in the dinner. Selected creatives will be notified on August 30 and will meet with ARTSwork staff prior to the dinner to review their presentation. If the minimum number of presenting creatives is not met, the submisison process and event will be re-launched at a later date.
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At the MicroGrant Dinner:
Selected creatives will pitch their projects, PechaKucha style (20 slides, 20 seconds each), to dinner guests. After all presentations are given, guests vote on their favorite project. The winning creative takes home the ticket proceeds as a microgrant to help fund their project.
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Questions? Email Daphne at ddickens@desmoinesartsfestival.org
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View the 2024 presentations on our YouTube Channel:
Ticket Information
The MicroGrant Dinner is a ticketed event with presentations by local artists seeking community support for their next creative project. Enjoy dinner and drinks as artists share their ideas in PechaKucha style presentations. You'll then vote on your favorite project. The artist with the most popular vote receives proceeds generated from ticket sales as a microgrant for their project. Each ticket includes a catered dinner from Gateway Market. A cash bar will be available.
Event Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. doors/dinner, 6 p.m. presentations begin
Location: West End Architectural Salvage, 22 9th Street, Des Moines, IA. Parking is available in lots directly to the west & south of the building, along with metered street parking.
Ticket Price: $45 / Tickets available: 75
Previous microgrant recipients:
Laura Formanek: Woman of Achievement Bridge interactive light installation
Seso Marentes: Iowa's First Chicano Art Park
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