Apply For Funding

OOPS MN’s mission is to connect Minnesota Patrons to Classical Vocal Artists to support artistic output like performances, compositions and recordings, facilitate artistic development, and provide communities with free access to well-sung Classical Art. One way we do that is through Project Sponsorships.
 

If you as an Artist have an idea for something “Opera-Oriented” you’d like to create, OOPS MN is here to help connect you to the resources and funding you need to bring your idea to life.

Sponsored Projects

Who can apply?

Minnesotans who have an Opera-Oriented project idea and are seeking support to make their idea a reality.



What does “Opera-Oriented” mean?

Anything relating to the creation or performance of Opera or other Classical Vocal Works such as Art Song, Chamber Music, or Oratorio. That is not an exhaustive list, and projects do not have to be “all opera”. We encourage unconventional thinking and imaginative uses of genres and mediums.



What kind of projects are you looking for?

We are up for almost anything, but some examples are audio or video recordings, live or virtual performances from recitals and staged operas to mixed-media performances, and the creation of and workshopping of new works.



Are there other requirements?

We require all projects to have a community engagement component. Engagement can take many forms such as education programs for students or bringing a performance to an underserved community.
We purposely have not defined “community'' beyond a group of people having common characteristics, so that Artists can use their Art to engage with missions and communities that matter to them.



Am I eligible to apply?

Applicant must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Be a resident of MN for at least one year as of application submission date
  • Be a practicing artist able to demonstrate a sustained commitment to their craft
Applicant must not:
  • Be enrolled in any undergraduate or graduate degree program as of the date of application submission
  • Have previously failed to complete a funded project or adhere to the sponsored project contract
  • Be established Arts organization looking for project funding
  • Be currently working on an OOPS funded Project that will not be completed before the deadline for the next round of funding



Is my project eligibile for funding?

Projects must:

  • Include professional level classical singing as a primary element
  • Include a community engagement or education component
  • Be presented or recorded in Minnesota utilizing Minnesota-based talent who are fairly compensated for their work
  • Utilize a minimum of 50% Minnesota based personnel, resources, and performance venues.
    • At least 50% of personnel must reside in Minnesota
    • At least 50% of the performances must occur in Minnesota
    • At least 50% of the resources used to complete the project must be sourced from Minnesota
Projects must not:
  • Engage in political activity (i.e. lobbying for specific candidates or legislation)
  • Engage in support of a religious institution
  • Include funding allocations for any of the following:
    • Application or competition fees
    • Headshots
    • Pay-to-sing program tuition
    • Audition or competition travel expenses
    • Travel or housing for out-of-state artists



Ready to take the next step towards realizing your Opera-Oriented idea?
Click Here to send us a Letter of Interest