MAP Fund | Work Sample Information

Work Samples are a critical element of your proposal. Please read the instructions carefully. All Lead Artists or Ensembles are required to submit a work sample.

Representing an Artist with Work Samples

The most helpful work samples capture an artist's unique sensibility and particular area of expertise, especially as it relates to the proposed work. Selecting the right sample can be challenging, but keep in mind that the MAP panel is adjudicated by artists who themselves must often apply for grants. They are generous in their understanding that the essential nature of live performance is difficult to communicate through electronic media. The most successful samples are straightforward examples of the work, with no voice-over explanation, and no promotional splicing. The aim should be to bring the panel as close to the actual experience of being in your audience as possible.

What to Send

If you're a Choreographer: MAP strongly recommends that work samples be submitted in DVD format. Please submit either one 10-minute excerpt or two 5-minute excerpts from work created in the last 5 years. Each excerpt should be its own clearly labeled chapter on the DVD. Also include the full work as a separate chapter on the same DVD. Send 2 copies of the DVD.

For VHS, send 2 copies of the tape containing the full work. Indicate by cue number either one 10-minute excerpt or two 5-minute excerpts within the work for the panel to review.

Compilation or promotional video work samples will not be accepted.

Please do not include excerpts of less than 5 minutes in duration.

If you're a Composer: send 2 copies of original compositions completed in the last 5 years, indicating up to 10-minutes for the panel to review. This may be one 10-minute excerpt from a long track, or a number of tracks adding up to 10 minutes of listening, as you choose. Please put all work samples on one CD and send two copies of the CD.

Please do not send musical scores.

If you're a Designer or Visual Artist: send 10 slides/jpegs on CD or 10 photos of work completed in the last 5 years. Send 2 copies of the disc or photos.

35mm slides will not be accepted.

If you're a Playwright or Librettist: FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION: Upload a full script or libretto completed in the last five years. Uploads must be in PDF or Microsoft Word format no larger than 2MB. We're sorry, but due to the number of submissions we receive, MAP will not review documents sent in any other format. FOR MAILED IN SUBMISSIONS: Send 2 copies of the first ten pages of a script or libretto completed in the last five years, and one full copy of the same script or libretto.

If you're a Theater Director, Performance Ensemble, Puppeteer, or Solo Performing Artist: MAP strongly recommends that work samples be submitted in DVD format. Please submit either one 10-minute excerpt or two 5-minute excerpts from work created in the last 5 years. Each excerpt should be its own clearly labeled chapter on the DVD. Also include the full work as a separate chapter on the same DVD. Send 2 copies of the DVD.

Compilation or promotional video work samples will not be accepted.

Please do not include excerpts of less than 5 minutes in duration.

Work-In-Progress Work Samples

If the work for which you are seeking funding is already in progress, you may send a work-in-progress sample, in addition to the samples requested above. Only one work-in-progress sample will be accepted per application. Please add the Work-In-Progress sample last, after samples requested above.

Media Format and Number of Samples

Which media does MAP accept?

For Video: DVD is the preferred format. We also accept VHS tapes. We do not accept video in PAL format. Please do not affix any sticker labels directly onto DVD samples.
For Slides: jpeg or pdf formats only
We do not accept web links as work samples.
Please do not send musical scores.
All written samples must be in English.

How many copies of each work sample do I send?

For audio CDs, DVD, jpeg slides on disc: send 2 copies of each disc
For Written work: FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION: Upload one script or libretto completed in the last five years. Uploads must be in PDF or Microsoft Word format. We're sorry, but due to the number of submissions we receive, MAP will not review documents sent in any other format. FOR MAILED IN SUBMISSIONS: Send 2 copies of the first ten pages of a script or libretto completed in the last five years, and one full copy of the same script or libretto.

How much does the technical quality of my work sample matter?
The panel judges the work, not the work sample, and they understand that a live performance is difficult to capture via media. However, a clean, clear, audible work sample is necessary to communicate your work to the panel. Please be certain that all your materials are functioning properly. It is strongly advised that applicants show their work sample to a colleague or friend for feedback on its technical quality.

Instructions for Labeling Your Work Samples

Each account opened on the MAP Fund web application is automatically assigned a number. Please print the application number on each of your samples so we can pair your application with your samples when they arrive in the office.

You will specifically describe your work samples as part of your online application. In addition, you will label the samples themselves with brief information as indicated by the graphics on the right-hand column of this page.

Instructions on Mailing and Delivering Your Work Samples

When are my work samples due?
Work Samples must be post marked by midnight February 1, 2008.

How do I deliver my work samples? Label them according to the instructions on this page, package them carefully and mail them to the following address:

Multi-Arts Production Fund
73 Spring Street 
Ste 401
New York, NY 10012

Do I need to mail anything with the samples?
Yes, please print and mail the work sample cover sheet. Be sure they are labeled according to the instructions on this page, including the application number at the top of your web application, and we will match them to your application when they arrive.

Will you return my work samples?
If you send an appropriately sized Self-Addressed-Stamped Envelope with your samples. Envelopes must use stamps, not meter strips, which will expire before we are ready to send your samples back. Please label your envelope with the name of your Fiscal Organization in the lower left hand corner.

Work Sample FAQs

If I choose to send two 5-minute excerpts instead of one 10-minute sample, may the excerpts be from two different works?
Yes.

My dance company (or performance ensemble) is commissioning a new work which we will premiere, but not co-create. Should we send a work sample for the company in addition to commissioned artist?
Yes.

I'm a Lead Artist playing more than one role on this project. May I send samples for all the roles I'm playing?
Clarity and simplicity are important aspects of your application. For that reason, we highly recommend that a Lead Artists send samples for no more than two roles she or he might play in a project.

I'm a director and I'm forbidden by Actors Equity Union rules to video tape the actors in my play. What should I do about work samples?
First, check that the union contract with your theater really doesn't allow taping. Some theaters have exemptions in their contracts for the purposes of fund-raising. If your theater doesn't have permission to tape, send slides on disc or photos of your work.

Should I send a work sample for my Executive Director, Artistic Director or Music Director if they are not a generative artist on the proposed work?
No.

Can I send promotional materials as work samples?
No. Send only samples of the work itself, without voice-over explanation or promotional editing. Press coverage and/or reviews may not be submitted.

Are there restrictions on the age of a work sample?
Yes, every Lead Artist should send at lease one sample from work created within the last 5 years.

How to Label Your Work Samples