The South Florida Cultural Consortium Grant Program is a significant initiative that provides financial support to visual and media artists residing in specific counties in Florida. Established in 1988, this program has awarded over $4 million in grants to more than 300 artists. The grants available through this program are $15,000 and $7,500, aimed at supporting the artistic endeavors of professionals in Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties. In addition to the financial support, selected artists will participate in an exhibition organized by a visual arts institution within one of the participating counties. Since 2019, artworks created by Miami-Dade based artists have also been acquired for the Art in Public Places Collection.

The primary purpose of the South Florida Cultural Consortium Grant is to foster the growth and recognition of professional artists in the region. The program aims to support emerging, mid-career, and established artists by providing them with the necessary resources to create and showcase their work. The objectives include enhancing the visibility of artists' contributions to the cultural landscape and facilitating opportunities for public engagement with the arts.

Funding through this grant can be utilized for various artistic projects and initiatives. The grants are intended to support the creation of new works, professional development, and other activities that contribute to the artists' careers. The program does not require a matching contribution, allowing artists to fully utilize the awarded funds for their artistic pursuits.

Eligibility for the grant is open to professional artists who reside in the specified counties. Applicants must have lived and worked in one of the participating counties for at least one year prior to applying. The program defines a professional artist as someone who has developed a recognized body of original work over time and is actively seeking professional recognition. Individuals who create art as a hobby, are employed by local government agencies, or are currently students pursuing a degree are not eligible to apply.

To apply for the grant, artists must submit work samples created within the last three years, along with proof of residency in one of the participating counties. Acceptable forms of proof include property tax records, lease agreements, voter registration, or IRS income tax returns. The application process requires careful attention to these submission requirements to ensure eligibility.

The evaluation of applications will be based on specific criteria, which may include the quality of the submitted work, the artist's professional background, and the potential impact of the proposed project. The timeline for the grant application process indicates that the deadline for submissions is October 1, 2024. Artists interested in applying should prepare their materials in advance to meet this deadline.

For further information regarding the grant, including application details and specific evaluation criteria, interested individuals can visit the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs website. This resource provides comprehensive guidance for potential applicants and outlines the necessary steps to successfully apply for the South Florida Cultural Consortium Grant.