Launch Pad
WHAT?
The Launch Pad, a program of the Oakland-based Flight Deck, is a 15-month long program funded through the Google Impact Challenge that supports small, community-based arts organizations in becoming job creators. The Flight Deck, an enterprise of Ragged Wing Ensemble, is a shared performance venue in the heart of Downtown Oakland where artists of all kinds work, play, and learn. The Launch Pad focuses on strengthening already-existing, small, Oakland-based organizations to grow a self-sustaining local arts economy and provide employment opportunities for talented low-income artists within their home community. Selected organizations will participate in an intensive 15-month long training program. Our curriculum is specifically tailored to help arts organizations understand the integral relationship between their artistic vision and the infrastructure (organizational structure, funding/finance, marketing/messaging) that is critical for the realization and sustenance of that vision.
WHY?
Arts organizations are an important component of Oakland’s economic growth, and yet, small arts organizations, which often emerge from within culturally specific communities and focus on artistic expressions not adequately served by mainstream organizations, are drastically underfunded. By supporting small, community-based organizations in becoming economically stable, The Launch Pad will help create an important job market for local artists from low-income communities, who might not otherwise be able to create sustainable careers in the arts. In turn these artists remain within their communities and contribute to the economic and cultural growth of their region.
WHO?
We are inviting small, Oakland-based arts organizations, producing unique work with, for, and by local artists, to apply for the inaugural cohort of the Launch Pad. Each organization must have a commitment to creating jobs for low-income and/or under-represented Oakland-based artists. The first cohort will serve four to six organizations. Priority will be given to organizations already residing at the Flight Deck, but other organizations are also invited to apply.
We expect that each organization will have a lead participant who will take part in the whole program. Some organizations may have one or two other members who may take part in all or some of the program.
The Launch Pad, a program of the Oakland-based Flight Deck, is a 15-month long program funded through the Google Impact Challenge that supports small, community-based arts organizations in becoming job creators. The Flight Deck, an enterprise of Ragged Wing Ensemble, is a shared performance venue in the heart of Downtown Oakland where artists of all kinds work, play, and learn. The Launch Pad focuses on strengthening already-existing, small, Oakland-based organizations to grow a self-sustaining local arts economy and provide employment opportunities for talented low-income artists within their home community. Selected organizations will participate in an intensive 15-month long training program. Our curriculum is specifically tailored to help arts organizations understand the integral relationship between their artistic vision and the infrastructure (organizational structure, funding/finance, marketing/messaging) that is critical for the realization and sustenance of that vision.
WHY?
Arts organizations are an important component of Oakland’s economic growth, and yet, small arts organizations, which often emerge from within culturally specific communities and focus on artistic expressions not adequately served by mainstream organizations, are drastically underfunded. By supporting small, community-based organizations in becoming economically stable, The Launch Pad will help create an important job market for local artists from low-income communities, who might not otherwise be able to create sustainable careers in the arts. In turn these artists remain within their communities and contribute to the economic and cultural growth of their region.
WHO?
We are inviting small, Oakland-based arts organizations, producing unique work with, for, and by local artists, to apply for the inaugural cohort of the Launch Pad. Each organization must have a commitment to creating jobs for low-income and/or under-represented Oakland-based artists. The first cohort will serve four to six organizations. Priority will be given to organizations already residing at the Flight Deck, but other organizations are also invited to apply.
We expect that each organization will have a lead participant who will take part in the whole program. Some organizations may have one or two other members who may take part in all or some of the program.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Organizations applying to The Launch Pad must:
- Be an arts organization with primarily arts programs (ie. visual art, theater, music, dance, traditional arts, film, multi-media, etc.) and producing arts events with, for, and by local artists for the public at least once annually.
- Be based in Oakland, CA: must have an address in the City of Oakland and produce a majority of programming in Oakland.
- Be a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, or be fiscally sponsored. (or become fiscally sponsored by intersection for the arts)
- Have maintained an annual budget for at least 2 years between $10,000 and $250,000
- Have been in existence for at least two full years, with active programming running for each of those years.
- Have Artist-Leaders who are committed to the growth and stability of their organization who can commit to the program schedule.
- Have demonstrated an interest in Cultural Equity.
- Be committed to creating jobs for low-income and/or under-represented Oakland-based artists.
WHEN?
The first phase of the program will run from August 2016 - March 2017. During the first phase, a leader from your organization will participate in a 3-hour training every other week (on a weekday morning) led by a team of experts that will focus on: strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, finance, innovative organizational design and hiring practices that will help your organization create a plan for sustainability and growth.
The second phase of the program will run from April - October 2017. In the second phase, the cohort of organizations will meet on a monthly basis and receive coaching support as you begin to execute your plan, producing impactful programming, growing audiences, setting up effective internal systems, securing ongoing funding, and hiring staff.
Meetings will be 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays. Exact scheduling will be finalized during the application process.
HOW MUCH?
Participating organizations will receive a stipend of $2,000 for participation in the program, and will have access to apply for funds towards capacity building projects.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2016
In addition to the application questions, please email the documents listed below to: [email protected]
Subject Line Instructions: Launch Pad Application 2016 (Organization Name)
Additional Documents:
- Financial Statements for the last two closed fiscal years
- Strategic Plan (optional)
Application Here!
If you have any questions please contact the Launch Pad Program Manager, Kehinde Koyejo, at [email protected] or call 510.858.7383.
Interested in being a Launch Pad Trainer?
Apply Today!
Apply Today!
