Your project must give the public the opportunity to experience it, whether for free or for a fee. NYFA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and can only extend that status to work that benefits the public. Work made solely for a private client, a single institution, or the artist's personal use is not eligible.
Public benefit does not mean your work has to be free. Examples that meet the requirement:
A film screening at a theater or festival, even if tickets are sold
An exhibition at a gallery or museum
A ticketed performance, concert, or reading
A book or album available for purchase
A free workshop, community event, or online release
Online releases count as public benefit, but we recommend also including an in-person event, such as a screening, performance, or workshop.
A ticket price or admission fee does not make your project ineligible. However, plan to include at least one way for the public to access your work at low or no cost, such as a free screening or performance, a pay-what-you-can night, a free community event or talkback, an open rehearsal, or discounted tickets for students or community groups. Describe this in your answer about how the public will experience your work.
NYFA is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations to sponsored projects are tax-deductible for US taxpayers. Because of this, the public benefit of your project needs to be meaningfully accessible to people in the US.
Your project can include international activity, such as filming, touring, or exhibiting abroad. Reviewers need to see that it also has a public outcome US audiences can access, or that US-based artists are involved in creative or performance roles.
US-based artists are artists living in the US who hold creative or performance roles in the project.
If your project has international activity, describe your US audience or artist involvement.
Name the format (screening, exhibition, performance, publication, workshop), the setting (venue, online platform, public space), and whether it will be free or ticketed.
List each venue or platform, whether it is confirmed or potential, and the expected dates.
No venue yet? Describe the type of venue you are seeking and your plan to secure it.
Example: My series of 12 large-scale paintings of family-owned storefronts in Queens will be presented in three ways:
Solo exhibition at a nonprofit gallery in Jackson Heights, Queens (confirmed, March to April 2027). Free and open to the public, with an opening reception and an artist talk.
Group exhibition at a Queens public library branch (potential, in conversation, summer 2027).
Online gallery on my website with image descriptions for accessibility (confirmed, ongoing from March 2027).
If the library show does not move forward, I will apply to two open-call exhibitions in New York City with fall 2027 deadlines.
This helps reviewers see that your venue plans are in progress. Include any proof, such as confirmation emails or letters, venue or rental agreements, letters of intent, screenshots of emails confirming dates, booking confirmations, or festival acceptance letters.
Formal contracts are not required. If you have multiple files, combine them into one PDF.
Name the specific channels, partners, venues, or networks you will use. If you have reached similar audiences before, describe it.
Reviewers want to see that you know where your audience is and how you will reach it. Numbers help, such as list sizes and past attendance.
Partners are organizations with a formal role in reaching your audience or delivering your programs, such as venues, cultural institutions, schools, community centers, or media outlets. They are not your own team.
Give each partner's name, role, and whether it is confirmed.
If you have none, enter N/A.
Educational components include workshops, classes, lectures, curriculum, panel discussions, and other structured learning.
If there are none, enter N/A.
This means any activity where people under 18 take part directly, as students, performers, interview subjects, or participants.
Describe the activity and your team's relevant experience or credentials.
You can upload credentials and previous work with minors in Part 6 (under Letters of Support).
If your project does not involve minors, enter N/A.