Home » Deadline Looms for McKay Grant Fund For Solstice Parade Artists

Deadline Looms for McKay Grant Fund For Solstice Parade Artists

The Zero Waste Seattle Ensemble in the 2012 FAC Solstice Parade.  Photo by Morgan Davis
The Zero Waste Seattle Ensemble in the 2012 FAC Solstice Parade. Photo by Morgan Davis

If you have an idea for the 2014 Solstice Parade, and need a little additional funding, the deadline for the Dave McKay Grant Fund is coming on Monday, April 7th, at 5p.  Get your submission entered now!

The McKay Parade Art Grant Fund supports the development of art and performance in the Fremont Arts Council (FAC) Solstice Parade, taking place on June 21st starting at 3p.  McKay was a celebration artist who brought master costume-design skills, thoughtful intention, and deep attention to detail and craftsmanship to his art, and his work on the Parade.

Each application to the Grant Fund is eligible for an award of up to $1,500, from a total pool of $6,000.  The primary goal of the Fund is to support artists in their efforts to bring engaging art to the streets of Fremont, and to enhance community creativity and collaboration.  Any artist, or art group, who has a vision for an awesome piece or ensemble to bring to life before thousands of spectators at the FAC Solstice Parade is encouraged to apply.

An undated photo of Dave McKay, who passed away in 1995, from the Fremont Arts Council website.
An undated photo of Dave McKay, who passed away in 1995, from the Fremont Arts Council website.

All grantees must be members of the FAC, although membership can be easily obtained for $25 through http://myfremont.org  Grantees must intend to use the funds for artists’ fees, materials, supplies, purchase or rental of equipment and/or travel/transportation.  They can also remount existing art work.

The McKay Grant Fund is also accepting applications this year for stage installations at Gas Works Park.  The FAC is in partnership with Honk Fest West, a four-day, street bands, music festival.  During and after the Solstice Parade, bands will play at Gas Works and artists are needed to design one, or all three, ‘stages’ to accommodate up to 25 musicians at a time (20’ x 30’) at ground level, and following safety standards.

All applications to the McKay Grant Fund will be reviewed by a committee.  This is an open, competitive process and, unfortunately, not every applicant will receive funding – however, those who actually apply are much more likely to get money than those that do not.  Find a list of special considerations among applicants, and more information on the Dave McKay Grant process, on the FAC website.

Submit an application before 5p on April 7th, either electronically or by mail to The FAC Powerhouse, 3940 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA  98103.  Any additional, specific questions can be sent to 206/547-7440 or leslies@fremontartscouncil.org