FOCUS

FOCUS is an annual celebration of the arts in which the Lectures Program and the Student Union Board (SUB) fund creative projects in the visual and performing arts proposed by Iowa State students. Many students have majors outside of the arts but make an important contribution to the creative climate of campus life. FOCUS aims to encourage and reward the artistic endeavors of all Iowa State students, regardless of their academic focus.

Students -- undergraduate and graduate -- are encouraged to apply for up to $600 in funding for projects to be displayed, performed, projected, or read. A variety of media are considered, including painting, drawing, fibers, metals, ceramics, woodworking, calligraphy, photography, mixed media, apparel design, dance, drama, music performance, chap books, and poetry readings. There is also a separate juried exhibition to which nonfunded visual arts projects may be submitted. Funding for FOCUS grants is made possible through the Government of the Student Body; awards are determined by a committee of students, faculty, and staff representing a broad range of the arts.

During the month of April, the FOCUS Grant Exhibit is on display in the Memorial Union Pioneer Room, and a public reception and awards program is held to formally recognize the creative efforts of the Iowa State students who have participated in the program.

Deadlines

Grant applications are accepted twice a year: April 1 and November 1, both for the following April’s exhibits.

Guidelines and Application

Read through the FOCUS grant guidelines, including the evaluation criteria, before completing the application. Submit fifteen copies of the application, including the Project Advisor Form, to the Lectures Program, 2586 Memorial Union. Sample proposals are available upon request.

FOCUS Grant Guidelines
FOCUS Grant Application (Word document)
Project Advisor Guidelines and Form (Word document)
Post-Award Information and Guidelines

Award Announcements

Applicants can expect to receive notice of an award by mail shortly after their proposal submission and subsequent hearing. Applicants may also contact the Lectures Office (294-9934) the day after hearings for results of the FOCUS Committee’s decisions.

Questions regarding FOCUS should be directed to Letitia Kenemer (

letitia (at) iastate (dot) edu
; 294.0971) or Pat Miller (; 294.9935)