Lighton International Artists' Exchange Program

Lighton International Artists' Exchange Program (L.I.A.E.P.) MISSION

The Lighton International Artists Exchange Program works to make the world a smaller place by giving artists of different cultures the opportunity to work together in the hope that lasting friendship and understanding will develop. The program provides support for visual artists and arts professionals to travel to international residencies and artist communities and for foreign visual artists to travel to and work in the United States.

L.I.A.E.P. GOALS

Encourage and reward dedicated artists with the unique opportunities afforded by travel and exchange of ideas and expertise between peers; enrich creative development; expand the Kansas City community's access to the art of other cultures; and enlarge the understanding of US culture and life in the world.

L.I.A.E.P. CRITERIA

The program seeks applications from dedicated American artists who create work of exceptional quality and whose work and career is at a level to benefit from international exchange with peers. The program is especially interested in funding artists who have not yet worked in a foreign country and in funding travel and residencies to countries that are less westernized. Artists from Kansas City and the Central Plains/Midwest area receive priority for funding. International artists who want to apply for funding for a Kansas City residency may submit inquiries to JanetSimpson at KansasCityArtistsCoalition dot org.

L.I.A.E.P. APPLICATION

Application forms are available for downloading. Application deadlines are March 15 and August 15, (not a postmark deadline). Artists should apply 6-12 months prior to intended travel dates. Notification will be mailed two months after deadlines.

The maximum l.i.a.e.p. grant is $5,000. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

These are our priorities. Your application must address these criteria:
The exchange of ideas and expertise between artists; Artists whose work and career is at a level to benefit from international exchange with peers; Artists who have not yet worked in a foreign country; Funding travel and residencies to countries that are less westernized; Enrichment of artists and our community.

Kansas City and the Central Plains/Midwest artists receive first priority for funding. Everyone who receives an l.i.a.e.p. grant must make a presentation in Kansas City. Complete instructions are included in the application. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Applications are due March 15 and August 15. (not a postmark deadline). Submit application and all supporting materials in one package to:
The Lighton International Artists' Exchange Program, The Kansas City Artists Coalition, 201 Wyandotte, Kansas City, Missouri 64105

http://www.kansascityartistscoalition.org/grants/liaep/liaep_application.html

I also can accept donations at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation: gkccf.org.

The fund is the Lighton International Artists Exchange Program. All donations will be directly given to artists. I take no commission.

Recent article: Lighton program makes ambassadors of artists
by ALICE THORSON, The Kansas City Star, July 1, 2011.