L.E.A.P. (Learning Elders Arts Program) is a project-based initiative designed to provide Island seniors with the opportunity to learn various artistic disciplines from local artists. LEAP is based on the belief that the arts greatly enhance the lives of seniors.

 

L.E.A.P. program funding enables local seniors' groups to hire professional and semi-professional artists to teach various artistic disciplines such visual and media arts, dance, instrumental or vocal music, theatre or musical theatre, literary arts, and folk arts and crafts to seniors.

 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

- Create joint partnerships between active seniors' organizations and experienced local artists.

- Create new and innovative avenues for appreciation of Island art.

- Create new relationships between seniors' organizations and local artists.

- Increase social opportunities for seniors.

- Provide opportunities for seniors to develop new creative skills.

- Assist seniors in developing or discovering personal confidence.

 

Applications to the L.E.A.P. program must be submitted by eligible seniors groups in conjunction with local artists on or before the October 31st deadline. The maximum LEAP grant is $3,500 per project (Non-Profit or Government Organizations) or $1,800 per project (For-Profit Businesses). LEAP funding is provided through your tax dollars, therefore, all projects must be open to participation by the general senior (adults 50+) population.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Program funding is available to organizations whose mandate is to serve seniors and who meet the eligibility criteria. This includes, but is not limited to, groups who are members of the PEI Senior Citizens' Federation, public and private manors and nursing homes, and retired professional groups.

 

To qualify, the applicant organization must:

- Be an established seniors' organization based on Prince Edward Island.

- Have been operating for a minimum of 12 months prior to making application to the program.

- Have completed on time all reporting requirements for any previous LEAP funding.

- Select a partner artist who is not a member, employee, volunteer, related to or otherwise associated with the applicant organization.

- Be at arms-length from the artist (This should be a new relationship - meaning the artist and host organization have not previously worked together.)

- Work with the artist in planning and budgeting of the project application.

- Actively participate in delivery of the project

- May only apply for one project per year.

 

The partner artist:

- Should have training in their discipline through formal studies or apprenticeships, or maintain a professional practice.

- Should have teaching experience in teaching or instructing and (preferably) experience working with seniors.

- Must be able to provide a clear criminal record check with vulnerable sector (obtained specifically for this program) prior to beginning the project.

- Is not be a member, employee, volunteer, related to or otherwise associated with the applicant organization.

- Be at arms-length from the applicant organization (This should be a new relationship - meaning the artist and host organization have not previously worked together.)

- Must be directly involved in estimating the costs for the project and completing the funding application.

- May only participate in two projects per year.

 

PROPOSED PROJECT

Applications must contain a clear, single-project focus and provide specific details about the project. Seniors' organizations may apply for one project only.

 

Descriptions of proposed projects should answer the following questions: What is your art form? How many sessions will you hold? How many pieces will be completed or what type and length of production will be created? What type of open house, final exhibit or performance will be held at the end of your project? How will seniors participate in the creation of the art form? What challenges might participants face and how do you plan to address those challenges? What is new and different about your project? How will you promote this project to attract local seniors to participate?

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are responsible to:

1.) Read the Program Guide and Application Guide and Form.

2.) Locate a partner artist and plan an eligible program with the artist.

3.) Complete the Application Form and attach required additional information as directed.

4.) Ensure an authorized representative from the applicant organization (as well as the project director and artist) sign the application.

5.) Deliver the completed application and required additional information to the PEI Citizens' Federation office on or before the deadline.

 

DEADLINE

The completed application and all supporting documents must be delivered to the PEI Senior Citizens Federation office by the close of business (4 pm) on the deadline of October 31st.

 

The L.E.A.P. program is administered by the PEI Senior Citizens' Federation and is made possible through funding from the PEI Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture.