Good afternoon! Here is a short summary of some hot topics today:

  • We are still waiting for the SVOG portal for applications to open for much-needed stimulus, although it now appears that this may happen closer to the end of the month, after the PPP window closes. Please contact us if we can help you sort out more details.

  • There is a Board Recruitment Mixer next week on the 11th that COCA is co-hosting; be sure to check it out. The info is below along with MANY new listings and several JOBS (marketing, grants!)

  • I am available for marketing consultations - I've been meeting with many of you virtually and I am happy to give you ideas and brainstorm. Just shoot me an email! I'm also open to outside "walk and talk" meetings - we can check out murals and public art in this beautiful weather.

  • Summer Camps - now is the time to add your listings. Add these to events on our calendar using the "camps" category.

Thank you so much for inspiring us every day - we are getting through all of this together and in support of each other.

Warmly,

Erica

Here's how to reach the COCA Team by email: KathleenAmandaErica, & Nick, or just reply to this email and we will get your question to the right person.
Advocacy
The Capital of Non-Profits: March 8 Social Media
To better tell the story of the importance of non-profits in our community, COCA, INIE, and UPHS are sharing short animated graphics and copy on our social media accounts beginning Monday, March 1, with a new graphic and message every week.

You may follow along with our timeline if you wish for a coordinated approach. We will be sharing this graphic on the left on March 8 (it's animated when you download it from the toolkit) and there is suggested text too - download it all here - or follow along on our Facebook page and other social media accounts to share. (Thanks to Sachs Media for the toolkit!)
New! National Council of Nonprofits' COVID Relief Letter
As part of the efforts taking shape at the National level, United Partners for Human Services (UPHS) has signed on to the National Council of Nonprofits’ COVID Relief Letter (with 3,000+ others) to lawmakers prioritizing expanded access to forgivable loans, extended and increased charitable giving incentives, as well as the substantial financial aid to state and local governments. Click here to read, sign, and forward the letter to others.
New! Florida Cultural Alliance Newsletter 3/1/21
Highlights include:

  • Event and social media info for Arts Week (March 8-12)
  • Senate Bills to watch
  • Advocacy Resources

Read the newsletter here.
Stories on Artists of Color
Deadline: March 31
Local marketing and communications firm ESPMedia has partnered with the Zimmerman Agency and Visit Tallahassee to spotlight local artists of color to uplift their work and their stories. If you would like to submit photos, background information, and other completed projects for consideration, please contact Project Coordinator Jalicia Lewis at jalica@espmedia.net. More info here.
Community
56th Anniversary Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee
March 5-7
The 56th Anniversary Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, the largest annual civil rights event in the nation, is scheduled to take place March 5-7. This year’s theme is: Beyond the Bridge: People Power, Political Power, Economic Power. This epic undertaking is making history in a brand new way by going global and virtual for the first time ever. More info here.
Venue Re-Opening Information Guide (Multiple Sources)
Updated 1/6/21 - Find a list of Venue Re-Opening guides from various organizations, including the Performing Arts Center Consortium, the Event Safety Alliance, The League of American Historic Theatre Venues, The International Association of Venue Managers, and more here.
New! Top Ten Poetry Sites for National Poetry Month
Click here to see Tweetspeak Poetry's list of the top 10 poetry sites to follow for National Poetry Month, including Poetic Earth Month, American Life in Poetry, and From the Fishouse.
Leon County COVID-19 Information
Looking for the latest COVID-19 Emergency Information in Leon County? Be sure to check out Leon County's Emergency Information Portal for daily COVID-19 updates like available testing sites, vaccination information, information for businesses, and more here.
A Shot in the Arm for the Arts
Rick Oppenheim shared a photo with us for our social media campaign called "A Shot in the Arm for the Arts!"

Keep up the good work wearing your masks, following social distancing protocols, and help the arts get back in business by getting your shot when you are able to do so. If you have gotten your COVID shot and want to share a photo with COCA, email it to info@tallahasseearts.org and tell us why you are getting your shot.

For more information on getting vaccinated, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Leon County or visit: http://leon.floridahealth.gov/.
Donations
Book Donations Needed
The Friends of the Leon County Public Library is now accepting donations at it’s store located inside the LeRoy Collins Library downtown. All proceeds benefit the library and all proceeds stay local. More info here.
Funding
Update! Stimulus Resources
The PPP portal closes March 31, 2021. The SVOG application portal is unlikely to open before March 31, so organizations must choose between PPP and SVOG funding. Please feel free to reach out to COCA to discuss options.

President Biden has announced program changes to prioritize the smallest of small businesses.

More info on these resource updates here.
Update! Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020.

Who an Apply? Eligible entities include:

  • Live venue operators or promoters
  • Theatrical producers
  • Live performing arts organization operators
  • Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
  • Motion picture theater operators
  • Talent representatives
  • Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements

Note: On January 20, 2021, SBA updated the proposed plan for issuing Shuttered Venue Operators Grants during the first and second priority periods. To clarify, priority awardees will not need to satisfy the small employer set-aside. During the first 59 days of opening the SVO Grants, SBA will reserve no less than $2 billion of program funding for grants to entities that have no more than 50 employees. Please click the link to determine your priority period.

Updated 2/19/21: On February 19th, the SBA confirmed that lost “Earned Revenue” will be the measurement in determining which Priority Period an organization qualifies for in awarding Shuttered Venue Grants.

Application and additional guidelines will be updated when available. The SVOG Platform is not accepting applications at this time but there is a lot of important information on their site.

More info here.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants
Check Individual Opportunities for Deadlines
Grants for Arts ProjectsDeadline: July 8, 2021

Challenge America – Deadline: April 22 (Preliminary SAM registration due by March 30, Grants.gov registration due by April 13)

Our Town – Deadline: August 6

Creative Writing FellowshipsDeadline: March 10 (Preliminary SAM registration due by June 16, Grants.gov registration due by June 29)

Research Awards Next Deadline: March 29 (Preliminary SAM registration due by March 8, Grants.gov registration due by March 19)

More info here.
Deadline Extended! Creative Capital Award
Deadline: March 8, 4 PM
Creative Capital helps visionary artists in all disciplines build thriving careers, and every year they review applications from artists ready to take the next step. The selected artists receive the Creative Capital Award, which includes up to $50,000 in funding for bold new projects, as well as a wide range of counsel, career development, and networking opportunities to make their work come to life. More info here.
Webinar: NEA Challenge America Grant
March 10, 3 PM
NEA Challenge America guidelines include important new details on eligibility requirements, as well as the program description, project types, and what we mean by “underserved”. Please register in advance to attend. More info here.
Grant for Clean, Efficient Energy in Visual Arts Museums
Deadline: March 15
The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative is an energy and climate granting program launched by Helen Frankenthaler Foundation and is the largest private national grant-making program to address climate change through cultural institutions. Museums of all sizes that have a significant visual arts component are encouraged to apply. More info here.
Reminder! Actos de Confianza: Relief Grants
Deadline: March 15
The National Association of Latino Arts and Culture’s 2021 Actos de Confianza relief effort will expand to support Latinx artists and arts organizations who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. NALAC will distribute $2,500 grants to Latinx artists and cultural workers and $5,000 grants to Latinx arts organizations facing critical financial emergencies. More info here.
$3,500 Artist Grants
Deadline: May 18
The Hopper Prize is now accepting entries for their Spring 2021 artist grants. They are offering 2 grants in the amount of $3,500 and 4 grants in the amount of $1,000. Grants will be awarded through an open call art competition juried by leading contemporary curators. More info here.
Reminder! USArtists International Grant Program
Deadline: March 31
The USArtists International program (USAI) from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation (MAAF) supports performances by U.S. artists at impactful international festivals and performing arts marketplaces outside the U.S. The application deadline is March 31 for projects taking place between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. More info here.
Jobs
New! Communications and Development Manager Job Opening - Challenger Learning Center
Deadline: March 8
Responsibilities of the Communications & Development Manager include fundraising and development, PR and promotions, campaigns and special events, advertising and more. Join the dynamic, innovative and mission-focused team at the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee. More info here.
Join the COCA Team: Grants Manager
Deadline: March 26
The Grants Manager performs advanced-level professional work to ensure alignment with COCA’s grant programs and overall mission and goals. Special focus of this full-time position includes converting to an automated application process and strengthening administrative practices. An ideal candidate for this position will be detail-oriented, service-focused, tech-savvy, community-minded, and enjoy working in a creative, unique, and collaborative environment. More info here.
New! Summer Art Camp Instructor
Deadline: March 31
Gadsden Arts seeks a versatile, creative thinker who is interested in exposing campers to a variety of art mediums and art styles. The ideal candidate has experience teaching art to children and is interested in creating a fun, welcoming, and flexible learning environment for young artists of all backgrounds and skill levels. More info here.
Opportunity for Youth
Youth Leadership Tallahassee
Deadline: March 31
This year-long program is an extension of the main Leadership Tallahassee program for adults, bringing together a diverse group of high school juniors from public & private schools in Tallahassee who have demonstrated leadership potential in formal & informal situations, and preparing them to become ethical leaders committed to active community involvement. More info here.
Professional Development
INIE March Events
Check Individual Events for Dates and Times
March 11 - Virtual Board Recruitment Mixer, 5:30-7 PM

March 23 - Executive Director Round Table: Re-imagining our Nonprofits to Survive the Crisis facilitated by BJ Iacino, Epilepsy Agency, 1-2 PM

More info here.
INIE Board Recruitment Mixer
March 11, 5:30-7 PM
"Mix and Mingle" on Zoom with Nonprofit Organizations that are seeking new board members. Participants will be placed in breakout rooms with nonprofit leaders to learn more about the organization and ask questions. In addition to the presentations and breakout rooms, this free mixer will include live entertainment and online photo contest. More info here.
New! Citizens' Institute on Rural Design Applications
Deadline: March 12
The Request for Applications from communities is now open. Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design will offer four local Design Workshops that address specific community challenges, and an online Design Learning Cohort program that will allow up to 15 communities. More info here.
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
Promotions
Marketing Plan & Partner Opportunities
The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) is the official tourism marketing organization for Tallahassee and Leon County Florida, promoting tourism to the area through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports, film, product development and visitor services. A partnership with Visit Tallahassee offers you opportunities for promoting your business or event in one of Southern Living’s Top 10 Cities in the South. Building strong relationships within the community helps Visit Tallahassee to achieve their mission – to enhance the region’s economic growth and quality of life by collaboratively inspiring the vitality of Tallahassee’s visitor economy. More info here.
Add Events, Classes, Lessons, and Workshops
to the Tallahassee Arts Guide
If you're planning any type of event, be sure to post it on the Tallahassee Arts Guide - COCA's official interactive web calendar for arts and culture. 
Submit a "Behind the Scenes with COCA"
Social Media Album
"Behind the Scenes with COCA" photo albums showcase artists at work in their studios. We love to see the creative process and learn more about how our artists of all genres make their artistic magic happen. Enjoy these social media albums below, and submit your own album here.

View artist studio "Behind the Scenes with COCA" albums here.
Resource Guides
COCA has created several RESOURCE GUIDES that aggregate ongoing and similar listings by subject. These can also be found on the sidebar of the COCA Classifieds webpage.
Click this guide to promote your organizations and events to visitors and residents. You'll find:

  • COCA's Media Guide
  • COCA Resources for Visit Tallahassee Partners
  • Visit Tallahassee Industry Resources
  • More Toolkits coming soon!

Click this guide for quick links to regional and national advocacy pages and information.

  • Americans for the Arts
  • Florida Division of Cultural Affairs
  • Florida Cultural Alliance
  • Black Lives Matter

Click this guide for federal, state, and local stimulus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for:

  • Arts organizations
  • Non-profits
  • Individual artists
  • Arts businesses

Vendors
100th Annual Rose Show & Festival
Deadline: April 2
Thomasville’s Rose Show & Festival is celebrating 100 years, and they are looking for vendors for their Rose Fest Market. Rose Fest Market at The Ritz Amphitheater is a brand new part of the annual Rose Show and Festival and will be held Saturday, April 24 from 11 am-5 pm. It is an outdoor artisan market with food and music that features several different family friendly activities. More info here.
New! Calling all Vendors - Large Dance Event
Deadline: June 4
Want to expand your target audience? USA Dance has marketed their Florida Sunshine Dance & Symposium to Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Alabama and is calling for vendors. Set up and break down will be on Sat., June 19 at the Days Inn & Conference Center. This is a dancing event with an anticipated group of 200+. More info here.
Volunteer Opportunity
COCA Board of Directors Opening
Deadline: May 31
COCA’s Board of Directors currently has an opening for a finance seat (City appointment). If you’re interested in serving, applications will be accepted through May 31, 2021. COCA’s Board represents a diverse wealth of knowledge and includes citizens with expertise in the following areas: finance, marketing, volunteerism, history/heritage, practicing artist, tourism, and business. The COCA Board typically meets five times each year with occasional additional special meetings scheduled. More info here.
Auditions & Film
Casting Call for Music Video
Deadline: March 4
Cat Family is looking for actors and locations for a music video for bandanna’s “Fish Song.” The video follows the evolution of a mother-daughter relationship, from youth to adulthood, through the connection they share with an uncommon sweater. More info here.
Calls to Artists: Visual Art
FLLUXE Arts Fest Call to Artists
Deadline: March 5
The applications for Florida Luxe Arts Festival (FLLUXE for short) are now open to create chalk art, busk at the festival with music or another act, or sell your art and artisan goods. This is family-friendly, free public event that will feature national and local chalk artists. FLLUXE Arts Festival will be on Saturday, March 27th in Downtown Panama City, FL. More info here.
Call to Artists: Epicurean Delights, Florida CraftArt
Deadline: March 5
Fine Craft artists are invited to submit work to this exhibition which will be held at the Florida CraftArt Gallery located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The theme of Epicurean Delights includes images and objects featuring food, cooking, and dining. This exhibition showcases the finest contemporary ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber, metals, mixed media, and wood. More info here.
New! Call for Art: Artists and Autism, How I See The World Virtual Exhibition
Deadline: March 15
Florida State University Autism Institute and Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FSU CARD) partners with the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library and Arts4All Florida to present “Artists and Autism: How I See the World,” a virtual exhibition featuring works of art by people with autism and related disabilities. Individuals of all ages with autism and related disabilities throughout the Big Bend Region and the Panhandle of Florida are invited to submit art for this exhibition. More info here.
Pines & Palms Photography Contest and Virtual Show
Deadline: March 17
The Pines & Palms Photography Contest and Virtual Show, hosted by Alan Ross, Dan Burkholder, and Elizabeth Opalenik will take place from March 30 to May 30. Work must be submitted between March 6 and March 17 to their website, and prizes will be announced April 1. You do not have to be a member to enter and photos will be accepted until they have 100 photos entered. The entry fee is $20 per entry. More info here.
Call for Artists: Creative Tallahassee
Deadline: March 19
Creative Tallahassee, presented by the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA), is an annual, fine art exhibition showcasing talented artists of the Big Bend area. Artwork must be original, current and not previously shown in a COCA exhibition. All media, 2D or 3D, is accepted including fine art, craft and photography, but excluding video and performance art. This exhibition will be on display in the main City Hall Art Gallery. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this exhibit will also be presented in COCA’s online, digital gallery. More info here.
Call to Artists: THOM Collective
Deadline: April 30
Thomasville Center for the Arts is now taking submissions for their annual THOM Collective Exhibition. You must be an active THOM Collective member to participate. This year, they are thrilled to host their Thom Collective juried exhibition both online and in their Main Gallery at 600 E. Washington St., Thomasville, GA. More info here.
Call for Dancers
New! Calling all Dancers - USA Dance
Deadline: May 7
USA Dance is hosting a 2-day event, to include a live (in-person) Dance Talent Show. COVID guidelines will be enforced. Awards will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners. More info here.
Call to Writers
Geminga: $500 for Tiny Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, or Art
Deadline: March 31
Sunspot Lit is launching Geminga: $500 for Tiny Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, or Art to honor the power of the small. No restrictions on theme or category. Word limit is 100 for fiction and nonfiction. Micropoetry is limited to 140 characters. Visual art entries should be paintings, drawings, or sketches no larger than 25 inches square. Sculptural forms should be no larger than 25 inches in any dimension. Entry fee is $6, and the prize is $500 and publication for the winner. More info here.
New! The Poets & Writers Guide to Literary Agents
Searching for an agent? Poets & Writers is here to help. A collection of articles edited by the staff of Poets & Writers Magazine, The Poets & Writers Guide to Literary Agents includes straightforward advice from professionals in the literary field and additional resources with insider tips. More info here.
Submit Your COCA Classified
Click here to submit information for the weekly COCA Classifieds email. Deadline for submission is 5:00 pm on the Wednesday of each week. COCA reserves the right to include or exclude any listing at its discretion and to determine the content and placement of all listings. Items may be listed for a maximum of two editions.

COCA does not endorse any artists, organizations, or programs listed herein, nor imply stature through their inclusion in this newsletter. While we have made every effort to ensure that this information is correct, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information.  
COCA's programs are sponsored in part by the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.  

COCA does not endorse any artists, organizations, or programs listed in this newsletter. While we have made every effort to ensure that this information is correct, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information.

Special thanks to: