Guangzhou, Art for Inclusivity and Accessibility | EAPGZ 23 GR 001 07122023

Opportunity Information: Apply for EAPGZ 23 GR 001 07122023

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, announced a competitive grant opportunity called "Guangzhou, Art for Inclusivity and Accessibility" (Funding Opportunity Number EAPGZ-23-GR-001-07122023). The program is designed to bring together Chinese and American artists to jointly create large-scale, publicly displayed artwork that encourages conversation and real-world action around building a more inclusive and accessible future. The priority region for the work is South China, and the primary public-facing impact is intended to be felt in Guangzhou, especially around Zhujiang New Town where the Consulate is located.

At the center of the opportunity is the Consulate's "Vision Board" mural series, which uses collaborative visual art to present shared goals and positive visions tied to major global themes. This grant covers the full scope of work for Vision Board Phase 3 and Phase 4. Vision Board 3 is specifically focused on inclusivity and accessibility, while the theme for Vision Board 4 has not been finalized. Applicants are allowed to propose a theme for Phase 4, but the Consulate will make the final decision on what that theme will be. In addition, Consulate personnel will ultimately select which proposed artwork concepts move forward for final production, which means the implementer is expected to manage a structured solicitation and selection process but should plan for final curatorial authority to sit with the Consulate.

The successful grantee (implementer) will be responsible for recruiting and coordinating pairs of artists, one based in the United States and one based in China, to develop collaborative mural designs that match the program objectives. The deliverables include high-resolution digital art files prepared as PDFs sized to fit one of two large wall formats: either 12.3 meters by 6 meters (length by height) or 9.3 meters by 4 meters. After the concepts are developed, the implementer will present submissions to Consulate staff for review and selection, then coordinate with the chosen artists to finalize the designs and deliver production-ready digital files to a billboard production company. Importantly, the physical printing and installation of the murals is not paid for by the grant; that cost will be covered directly by the Consulate. The finished murals will be installed on two large, public-facing exterior walls of the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou and are expected to remain on display for at least six months. Copyright ownership of the final artworks will be shared between the artists and the U.S. Consulate as commissioned artwork.

Beyond the murals themselves, the program includes an in-person engagement component and a communications component. Artists currently residing in China may be invited to attend the opening of the artwork and participate in workshops or related activities focused on art as a tool for social change. These workshops are expected to be conducted in person and structured around small-group interaction, including opportunities for artists to discuss expectations, project parameters, and their collaborative process with panelists or organizers. Applicants are permitted to include travel costs and workshop/activity design ideas in their proposals and budgets, indicating that the grant is meant to fund not only coordination and creative development, but also meaningful programming that deepens public diplomacy and local community engagement.

Digital outreach is also a required part of implementation. The grantee must create social media content at the start of the project to publicize the opportunity and recruit local artists. After artists are selected, the grantee is expected to produce an introduction video featuring the participating artists, covering topics such as creative influences, how their ideas evolved, their personal experiences collaborating across borders, and what they learned from working with their counterpart. This video should be supported by additional social media content that explains the project, builds public interest, and broadens the reach of the exhibit beyond passersby at the Consulate walls.

The intended audiences include members of the Chinese public who live and work near the Consulate in Guangzhou, as well as local disability advocates and members of the arts community. The overall goal is to use highly visible public art, paired with workshops and online storytelling, to spark ongoing discussion and encourage concrete action related to accessibility and inclusion in South China.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, the award is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the Consulate is expected to remain substantively involved during implementation (including deciding the Phase 4 theme and making final artwork selections). The total funding available is up to USD 50,000, with one award anticipated and a performance period of one year or less. The funding source is FY22 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy funds, and the anticipated start date listed is September 1, 2023, subject to funding availability. Eligible applicants include U.S. and non-U.S. nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) nonprofits, excluding institutions of higher education) and individuals, as indicated in the opportunity listing (CFDA/Assistance Listing 19.040).

The application deadline was August 11, 2023. Required application materials referenced include standard federal forms (SF-424 or SF-424-I, SF-424A, and in some cases SF-424B), along with a summary page and a proposal capped at 20 pages. The notice repeatedly refers applicants to the attachment for complete instructions, suggesting that detailed eligibility rules, evaluation criteria, budget guidance, and submission procedures were provided in supplemental documents.

• The U.S. Mission to China in the arts sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Guangzhou, Art for Inclusivity and Accessibility" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-07-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-08-11. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Individuals.

Apply for EAPGZ 23 GR 001 07122023

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