Iowa City’s Public Space One (PS1) is pleased to announce the launch of the Big Field Fund (BFF), a new program which will award $60,000 in grants annually to support publicly-engaged experimental, collaborative, and connective visual arts projects in eastern Iowa.
With a name inspired by the diversity and deep roots of Iowa’s native prairies, BFF is funded by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts as part of their Regional Regranting Program, which supports 35 similar efforts across the U.S.
BFF will target artist-led projects that manifest new and inventive models, support under-resourced creative communities, engage with vulnerable structures, systems, or ecologies, and/or fall outside the reach of typical funding sources.
In its first year, Big Field Fund will offer two grant types:
- Research/Development Grants ($1500-$3000) to support artists in the early stages of an ambitious project
- Project Grants ($5000-$8000) to support the public realization of a visual arts project
“We are so excited to partner with The Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts to bring this new funding opportunity to eastern Iowa visual artists. This will strengthen the arts landscape in our state, adding much-needed support to our ecosystem. It will indeed ‘broaden the field’ for eastern Iowa artists!” said John Engelbrecht, Public Space One Executive Director.
Applications for the inaugural year of Big Field Fund grants will be open June 10-August 1, 2024. PS1 will host multiple in-person and virtual info sessions for potential applicants this summer. Jurors, events, and eligibility details for the inaugural year of BFF grants will be announced in May.
About Public Space One
Public Space One (PS1) is an artist-led, community-driven contemporary art organization in downtown Iowa City. Founded in 2002, PS1 hosts exhibitions, performances and screenings by local, regional, and national artists; affordable and free arts workshops for adults; and collaborative projects that encourage multidisciplinary creative development — all sited within three historic houses that we operate as dynamic and accessible spaces for–and cared-for by–our community.
PS1 supports artists and a robust arts community through residencies; sales, teaching, grant, and exhibition opportunities; community-access studios and event spaces; and advocating for the importance of art in everyday life for any and everyone.