Applications for The CJC for the Arts Grant are now open (Deadline: November 9th, 2026)

The CJC for the Arts Grant funds expenses related to senior theses or other independent 

projects in film, studio art, dance, theater, or related fields. Applications are submitted 

electronically at https://slate.barnard.edu/register/cjcartsgrant by 9AM on Monday, November 9, 2026 and must include a proposal, budget, and a letter of support from a Barnard or Columbia faculty member.  

 

The following materials are required:   

 

1. Detailed Proposal (maximum two pages, double-spaced, one-inch margins): 

 

     a. What exactly is the purpose of your proposed project? Describe central idea(s) or 

theme(s) and propose a working title. 

    

     b. How have you prepared and what are your qualifications? How does your proposed 

project build on your experience in your field and, if appropriate, related fields? Be specific: 

What coursework, course projects, and/or extracurricular experience has prepared you for this 

project? Give a brief explanation of the project’s genesis. How does the project grow out of what 

you’ve learned to this point? 

      

     c. Place your project in context: As appropriate, explain briefly how your project is related to 

current thinking or practice in your field? How is your project influenced, or inspired, by certain 

ideas or trends in your field? And/or how will the project respond to these ideas or trends? 

Provide the Committee with some relevant intellectual context. Note: for visual arts students, 

consider the following quotations: 

          i. “Projects that are modeled after major movements in contemporary art will be executed 

in the studio….” (from the catalogue description for AHIS BC3530, “Advanced Studio”). 

          ii. “Students are encouraged to incorporate what they learn in their lectures and seminars 

into their own body of work. Unlike in many visual arts programs, Barnard studio arts courses 

and seminars emphasize the reinterpretation of artistic practice rather than a reliance on 

‘traditional knowledge’…” (from the department’s website). How, then, will your work be modeled 

after—and/or be a reinterpretation of –a major idea or ideas in contemporary art? 

 

2. Letter of Recommendation: The faculty letter of support should be written by a person 

familiar with your project and should address both the importance of this project and your 

qualifications.  (Students will be prompted to enter the name and email of their recommenders, 

which will generate an email requesting direct submission of the letter of support.)  

 

3. Proposed Budget: A one-page detailed budget, preferably in chart form. What materials will 

you need beyond those already available to students in your department? What, if any other 

expenditures, will you have? What is the minimum amount that will allow you to move forward 

with your project? Past grants have generally been in the $250 -$700 range.

  

Proposals will be reviewed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Honors at their 

November 2026 meeting. Bear in mind that although some members of the Committee may be 

experts in your field, most will not be; it will be wise to tailor your proposal accordingly. Please 

direct any questions to Dean Erica Siegel by email at esiegel@barnard.edu or by making an appointment.