The Velocity Fund

ON ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION

Can I apply to the Velocity Fund if I’m involved at Asian Arts Initiative?

Proposed projects may not take place at Asian Arts Initiative. Senior-level staff at Asian Arts Initiative are not eligible to apply to the Velocity Fund. Other staff at Asian Arts Initiative are eligible to apply, as long as their proposed project does not take place at Asian Arts Initiative. Tenants of Asian Arts Initiative are eligible to apply to the Velocity Fund, and proposed projects may occur at their own rented spaces. If any of these cases may apply to you, we encourage you to write to info@velocityfund.org with any related questions, or to confirm your eligibility!

Do I need to propose a collaborative project?

Collaborative projects are encouraged, but not necessary. Please note that applications are considered for their Connection to Publics — reviewers will consider the project’s and the applicant’s relationship to Philadelphia, and intended communities. Individual artists seeking support to produce their own work without public outcome; or for the express purpose of covering travel expenses, renting studio space, or purchasing equipment are not encouraged to apply.

If I’m working collaboratively, how do we decide who the Lead Applicant will be?

The Lead Applicant will be our main point of contact, and will receive communications regarding grant status. If awarded, the Lead Applicant will also be responsible for receiving and distributing the funds: they do not need to be a US citizen, but must have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in order to receive payment.

Can I apply for multiple projects?

Lead applicants can submit one proposal during an application cycle. You can apply as the lead applicant on one project, and still be listed as a collaborator on other applications.

Can I apply for multiple projects?

Lead Applicants can only submit one proposal during an application cycle. You can apply as the Lead Applicant on one project, and still be listed as a collaborator on other applications.

Can I apply for a project that is already underway?

No, the Velocity Fund does not provide grants to reimburse or resolve projects that have already begun. Your proposed Velocity Fund project should be a new, distinctive phase that begins after receiving funding, in February 2027.

Can I use last year’s application, this year?

Yes. Each year’s applications are reviewed by a new panel of reviewers, so your application will be newly considered each time.

How are grantees selected?

Velocity Fund applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of reviewers that does not include Velocity Fund, Asian Arts Initiative, or Warhol Foundation staff. This jury changes every year, and consists of artists and curators from within Philadelphia and across the country, including one former Velocity Fund grantee, and one curator/administrator from another Regional Regranting Program. After the panel has reached their decisions and grants have been awarded, we will announce who the panelists were.

The panel assesses each application in four categories: Artistic Vision, Connection to Publics, Capacity to Realize the Project, and Personal Impact. After a multiweek period of scoring and independent review, the panel meets to discuss the 30 top-scoring applications in depth, and selects the final 12–14 Velocity Fund grantees.

ON APPLICATION LOGISTICS

How do I use Submittable?

In order to submit, you will need to create a Submittable account with your email address. You may invite collaborators to fill out the form with you, but they will need to create accounts as well. For an introduction to Submittable, here’s a helpful guide.

What kinds of work samples are acceptable?

For the Submittable review process, you can upload 5–10 images and documents, and/or link to web-hosted video and audio (through Vimeo or YouTube, for instance). For video and audio, please submit videos or video clips that TOTAL no more than 8 minutes long. 

What if I don’t have location or event details ready for my proposed project?

That’s OK! If you don’t have venues secured for your proposed project, please provide as much information about the type of location or space you imagine, and why. This will help our panelists understand your vision for your project’s public outcomes, and the connections that you have or will make over the course of your project.

How much time do I have to complete the project?

Grantees have one year (February 2027–February 2028) to reach (at least) one public outcome with their project. Velocity Fund grantees will receive 80% of their funding in early February 2027, and the remaining 20% after completion of their Midterm Check-In.