HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-597-E-Arts Commission-Grace Siplon-Blue Box Theater's Cyrano Set and CostumesGRASSROOTS ARTS PROGRAM / ARTIST PROJECT GRANT 2024-25
Grantee Name
Authorizing Official Name
Email
Project Title
Award
Grant Category ☐Grassroots Arts Program ☐Artist Project Grant Program
Funding Source ☐North Carolina Arts Council ☐Orange County
Grant project period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
As Authorizing Official, I acknowledge the following terms and understand if they are not met, I jeopardize future
funding opportunities from the Orange County Arts Commission. I understand a Compliance Score is issued for future
grants based on my adherence to the following terms:
OCAC Report Due Monday, July 14, 2025
Multicultural Spending Grantee must spend $ on the hiring of multicultural artists as specified
in the grant application.
Crediting and logo usage All grantees must properly credit the Orange County Arts Commission using the
proper logo on all publicity materials for the funded program. Recipients of
operations-related grants must include the OCAC logo with link to
www.artsorange.org on grantee’s website. If funding source is listed as N.C. Arts
Council above, grantee must also properly credit the N.C. Arts Council using the
proper logos and N.C. Arts Council credit line on all publicity materials for
funded program. Download logos on the OCAC website at
https://artsorange.org/grants/grantee-resources.
Calendar Listing Grantee must enter all events, exhibits, and performances open to the
public and related to this grant award on the Orange County Arts Commission
website at www.artsorange.org/events.
Grace Siplon
Grace Siplon
gracesiplon@gmail.com
Blue Box Theater's "Cyrano" Set and Costumes
$1,500.00
4
4
Docusign Envelope ID: 4C9171AB-143C-42AB-9008-EB81023098B4
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Revised August 2022
ORANGE COUNTY
ARTS COMMISSION
2024-25 GRANT
AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this 6 day of September, 2024, by and between Orange
County ("County"), by and through the Orange County Arts Commission ("Arts
Commission") and ("Grant Recipient").
WHEREAS, the Arts Commission is a countywide arts agency that ensures the growth of
local arts experiences by providing funding and support for diverse high quality programs and
projects.
WHEREAS, the Arts Commission administers the annual Grants Program to provide
economic opportunities to Orange County artists and non-profit organizations coordinating arts
projects benefiting the citizens of Orange County.
WHEREAS, the annual Arts Grants Program is supported by Arts Commission with
funds from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the
Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, a state agency.
WHEREAS, the Grant Recipient was selected by the Arts Commission to receive
the annual Arts Grant through the procedures duly adopted by the Arts Commission; and
WHEREAS, both parties wish to promote and maintain the integrity and clarity of the
Grant Recipient's ideas and statements and delineate the Grant Recipient’s obligations to the
County;
NOW, THEREFORE, the County and the Grant Recipient, for the consideration
and under the conditions hereinafter set forth, agree as follows:
1.Approved Grant Project. Grant funds are provided under this Agreement for the project
(“Project”) described in the Grant Recipient’s Grant Application, attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit A.
2.Grant Award. Grant funds in an amount not to exceed ($ )
have been awarded by the Arts Commission to the Grant Recipient for the approved
Project. The Recipient shall be required to match funds at least dollar-for-dollar with cash
from the Grant Recipient’s funds not derived from either Orange County appropriations or
the North Carolina Arts Council, as outlined in the attached Exhibit A.
3.Contingency. This grant is contingent on North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots
Program funding to the Arts Commission. Final decisions on Grassroots Program funds
to the North Carolina Arts Council are subject to approval by the North Carolina General
Assembly.
4.Responsibilities of the Grant Recipient
Grace Siplon
one thousand five-hundred dollars 1,500.00
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A.Implementation. The Project implementation shall take place between July 1,
2024 and June 30, 2025. The Project shall be implemented in the manner
described in Exhibit A. Time is of the essence in the implementation of the
Project.
B.Modifications to project. Grant Recipient shall present major changes to the
original proposal, including but not limited to changes in design, implementation
schedule and increase in Project budget by more than 10%, in writing to the Arts
Commission for approval. Arts Commission shall approve or disapprove Grant
Recipient’s request for modifications within seven (7) days of receipt thereof.
Consent to project modifications shall not be unreasonably withheld. Arts
Commission’s decisions shall be in writing. In the event the Arts Commission
fails to approve or disapprove the requested modifications within the time stated
herein, the modifications shall be deemed approved.
C.Non–assignment. The grant cannot be assigned or transferred to a different project
or artist without prior written approval of the Arts Commission.
D.Records. Grant Recipient must maintain records and other evidence pertaining to
costs incurred and revenues acquired during the Project implementation. Grant
Recipient shall maintain financial records pertaining to the Project for three (3)
years from the date of this Agreement, in case of audit.
E.Use of Funds. Grant Recipient shall not use the grant funds to repay outstanding
taxes or other debts of any nature. The grants shall be utilized solely for the
purpose described in the attached Exhibit A.
F.Final Report. Grant Recipient shall submit to the Arts Commission a Final Report
on July 14, 2025. The Final Report shall be in the format required by the North
Carolina Arts Council. Failure to submit the Final Report or late submission of
the Final Report, for any reason, shall be grounds for denial and/or cancellation of
grant funds for the Project and future grant proposals.
5.Responsibilities of the Arts Commission
A.Payment. The Arts Commission shall release the grant funds in the amount of
$ to the Grant Recipient.
6.Publicity
A.Acknowledgement. Credit must be given to the Orange County Arts
Commission and/or the North Carolina Arts Council using the proper logo(s)
and credit line in brochures, news releases, programs, and all other printed and
online publications. Copies of such printed materials must accompany the
evaluation report. Official Orange County Arts Commission and North Carolina
Arts Council logos may be downloaded at www.artsorange.org/grantee-resources
and may not be altered in any way. When no printed information is used, verbal
1,500.00
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credit shall be given. In addition, all print and promotional material must include
the following credit line and logo(s) (check all that apply):
i.County Funds Only. Orange County Arts Commission logo required.
Credit line required for audio projects: “This program is supported by the
Orange County Arts Commission.”
ii.North Carolina Arts Council Funding. The Orange County Arts
Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council logos are required. Credit
line: “This program is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the
Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.”
B.The Grant Recipient must enter all events, exhibits, and performances open to the
public and related to this grant award on the Orange County Arts Commission
website at www.artsorange.org/events. In addition, the Grant Recipient must
add a link to www.artsorange.org (Orange County Arts Commission logo
preferred) to their main webpage.
7.Indemnity. The Grant Recipient agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County, the
Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council and their officers and employees
from any and all claims or actual injury, damage or loss to a person, or real or personal
property that results from or is in any way connected to the use of the grant funds.
8.Independent Contractor. The Grant Recipient is an independent contractor and not an
employee, agent or other representative of the County and/or the Arts Commission.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create the relationship of
principal and agent, or employer and employee, between Grant Recipient and Arts
Commission or Orange County Government. Grant Recipient understands and agrees
that he/she is not authorized to incur any expenses or any liability whatsoever on behalf
of the County or the Arts Commission and has no authority, expressed or implied, to
obligate or make representations on behalf of the County or the Arts Commission. In
addition, Grant Recipient agrees to maintain his or her own worker's compensation
insurance for himself/herself and his or her employees for the duration of the art work's
installation.
9.Termination
A.In the event of any of the circumstances set forth below (hereinafter referred to as
“default”), the Arts Commission may immediately terminate this Agreement:
(i)Any fraudulent representation in any verification required to obtain
payment under this Agreement or other dishonesty on a material matter
relating to the performance of services under this Agreement.
(ii)Nonperformance, incomplete service or performance, or failure to
satisfactorily perform any part of the Project or to comply with any
provision of this Agreement, as determined by the Arts Commission in its
sole discretion.
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(iii)Failure to adhere to the terms of applicable county, state or federal laws,
regulations, or stated public policy.
B.In the event of default by the Grant Recipient, the Arts Commission has the
discretion to elect to terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part and/or require
the Grant Recipient to repay the grant funds within seven (7) from written notice
of default or allow the grant recipient the opportunity to cure the default. This
clause shall not be interpreted to limit the County’s or the Arts Commission’s
remedies in law or in equity.
10.Miscellaneous.
A.Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the attachments contain the final and
entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement. All modifications and amendments to this Agreement shall be in
writing. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties, their heirs, successors
and assigns.
B.Governing Law. Governing Law and Priority: Both parties agree that this
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina and
Orange County. Grant Recipient shall at all times remain in compliance with all
applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations including but not
limited to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws, policies, rules, and
regulations and the Orange County Non-Discrimination Policy and Orange
County Living Wage Policy (each policy is incorporated herein by reference and
may be viewed at
http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/purchasing_division/contracts.php.).
Any violation of this requirement is a breach of this Agreement and Arts
Commission may immediately terminate this Agreement without further
obligation on the part of the Arts Commission. This paragraph is not intended to
limit and does not limit the definition of breach to discrimination. By executing
this Agreement the Grant Recipient certifies that they has not been identified, and
has not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list
created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.58. By executing this
Agreement the Grant Recipient certifies that they has not been identified, and has
not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list
created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.81. By executing this
Agreement Grant Recipient affirms they are and shall remain in compliance with
Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the North Carolina General Statutes. In determining
the basic services to be provided, should any documents be referenced in or
attached to this Agreement, the terms herein shall have priority in any conflict
between the terms of referenced documents and the terms of this Agreement.
C.Dispute Resolution: Neither party may initiate binding arbitration. Any disputes
shall be resolved by nonbinding mediation. If such mediation fails either party
may initiate litigation to resolve the dispute. Should either party initiate litigation
to settle any dispute involving the terms of this Agreement such litigation shall be
Docusign Envelope ID: 4C9171AB-143C-42AB-9008-EB81023098B4
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Revised August 2022
initiated in the General Court of Justice of North Carolina seated in Orange
County, North Carolina.
D.Signatures. This Agreement together with any amendments or modifications may
be executed electronically. All electronic signatures affixed hereto evidence the
intent of the Parties to comply with Article 11A and Article 40 of North Carolina
General Statute Chapter 66.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Orange County and the Grant Recipient have signed this Grant
Agreement, effective on the last date this Agreement is signed by both parties as indicated by the
dates set forth under signatures below.
For and on behalf of the Grant Recipient
Date
For and on behalf of Orange County Government
Travis Myren, County Manager Date
Grace Siplon
Docusign Envelope ID: 4C9171AB-143C-42AB-9008-EB81023098B4
10/6/2024
10/14/2024
Revised 01/24
1
ORANGE COUNTY—INTERNAL USE ONLY
______________________________________________________________________________
Finance Information
Vendor Name: Grace Siplon Vendor Contact Person: Grace Siplon Phone: 518-496-4147
Address: 743 Tinkerbell Rd City Chapel Hill State: NC Zip: 27517
Department: Manager’s Office/Arts Commission Amount: $1,500.00
Purpose: 2024-25 Arts Grants Budget Code(s): 37601020-683001 Vendor # 68667
Vendor Status with NCSOS: Vendor is a BOCC consultant: Yes No
Contract Details
Contract Type: New Amendment (Original Contract: ) (Most Recent Amendment )
Effective Date End Date Notice Date (Notice Purpose )
Award
Approved by Board (Agenda Date: ); Made or Administered by
Signature Authority
- BOCC Express Delegation (Agenda Date: )
- Policy 9.4: Under $5,000; Service Under $90,000; Construction Under $250,000
- Budget Policy Section XV (Capital Improvement Project: )
Bidding
Informal Bidding ($30k-$90k); Formal RFP ($90k+); Other (<$30k); Exception(# )
Department Affirmation
This agreement is approved as to technical form and content and I as Department Director affirmatively state work
on this project has not been initiated prior to execution of the agreement.
This agreement is approved as to technical form and content. Services related to this agreement have already
begun or been completed. Description of the nature of the emergency condition that was addressed:
Department Director’s Signature ________________________________________ Date: ________
Information Technologies
This agreement has been reviewed and is approved as to information technology content and specifications:
Office of the Chief Information Officer___________________________________ Date: ________
Inapplicable because no hardware/software purchases or related services
Risk Management
This agreement is approved for sufficiency of insurance standards, specifications, and requirements:
Office of the Risk Management Officer___________________________________ Date: _________
Financial Services
This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act:
Office of the Chief Financial Officer ____________________________________ Date: _________
Legal Services
This agreement is approved as to legal form and sufficiency:
Office of the County Attorney __________________________________________Date: ________
Clerk to the Board
All Docusign contracts must be copied to the Clerk upon completion: occlerkdocs@orangecountync.gov
The following signature block is for hard copies only and is not required for Docusign contracts:
Received for record retention:
Office of the Clerk to the Board __________________________________________Date:_________
Docusign Envelope ID: 4C9171AB-143C-42AB-9008-EB81023098B4
10/3/2024
10/7/2024
10/8/2024
10/14/2024
Orange County Arts Commission Powered by Submittable
Title Bl ue Box Theatre's "Cyrano" Set
and Costumes
by Grace Siplon in 2024-25 Artist Project Grant
Application
743 Tinkerbell Rd
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
27517
United States
5184964147
gracesiplon@gmail.com
06/18/2024
id. 46801729
Original Submission 06/18/2024
Score n/a
APPLICANT
INFORMATION
Title of Grant Project Blue Box Theatre's "Cyrano" Set and Costumes
Legal name of
primary point of
contact
Grace Siplon
Mailing Address of
primary contact
743 Tinkerbell Rd
Chapel Hill
North Carolina
27517
US
35.92665
-79.01111
Email of primary
contact
gracesiplon@gmail.com
Phone number of
primary contact
5184964147
Names and emails of
co-applicants (if
applying on behalf of
a group)
theblueboxtheatre@gmail.com
W ebsite https://www.blueboxtheatrecompany.org/
How did you hear
about our grant
program?
W ord of mouth
Docusign Envelope ID: 4C9171AB-143C-42AB-9008-EB81023098B4
Did you attend or
watch the Artist
Project Grant
Training Session?
No
PROJECT/PROGRAM
INFORMATION
Tell us about your project or program
Grant Amount
Requested
$1,500
Project Start Date
(no earlier than July
1, 2024)
July 8, 2024
Project End Date (no
later than June 30,
2025)
September 8, 2024
Project/Program
Summary
Blue Box Theatre Company is a small, not-for-profit theatre company in our
second season. W e focus on showcasing re-imagined classics as well as
new works and adaptations. This summer, we are partnering with Honey
Suckle Tea House to stage a reimagining of "Cyrano De Bergerac." W e
are currently in casting and will begin rehearsals on July 8th, go into
technical rehearsals on August 26th, and begin the run on August 30th. The
show dates are August 23, August 24, August 25th, August 30, August 31,
September 1, September 6, September 7 and September 8.
Blue Box works on a profit-split model. In that spirit, we try to keep our
production costs low to ensure the highest payout for our cast and crew.
Our production last summer allowed us to pay our participants $250 each,
much higher than most community theatre stipends. W hile we are proud of
that number, we'd love to make it even higher this year.
Focusing on actor and crew payouts, we have been somewhat meager
when it comes to technical elements. This summer we will be working with
several high school interns to teach them costume and set construction. In
order to do so, and to give our director and actors the best possible
canvas, we will need a higher set and costume budget than in the past. W e
are performing in an outdoor space without a stage and will need to build
our own. In addition, this is a period piece and will require special costume
pieces like corsets, blouses, and capes that will not be easy to source for
free.
Docusign Envelope ID: 4C9171AB-143C-42AB-9008-EB81023098B4
Community Impact Blue Box was founded by a queer woman and a trans person. Our board is
currently comprised of members of the LGBTQ+ community. This
production of Cyrano will feature a gender-neutral Cyrano De Bergerac and
a lesbian love interest. More than half of our cast are members of the
LGBTQ+ community, including our director. W e have a major goal of
uplifting trans and queer voices with this production and creating a gender-
affirming show for the cast, crew, and audiences. The cast is made up of
13, and we are taking on 5 high school interns. Our expected total
audience will be around 900 (100 per performance). A higher costume
budget will be hugely impactful in order to create gender-affirming costumes
that our actors can feel confident in.
Artist Experience Our first season was a huge success. Last year, we staged an original
work at the Seymour Center called Milk and Honey W hiskey that allowed
us to donate $1000 in ticket sales to their senior programming. Last
summer we worked with Honey Suckle to stage a production of Much Ado
About Nothing. That production was a huge success and sold out every
performance! W e have also worked with Epilogouge Book Store to stage
an adaptation of the story of Helen of Troy and just staged another original
work with Moonlight Stage Company. W e are a young company, only in our
second season, and yet we have been able to reach over 1,300 audience
members and have worked with four community partners.
How do you plan to
market your project?
W e have a designated social media and marketing director as well as
relationships with several local news publications and radio stations. This
year, we hope to take it to the next level now that we have two marketing
interns. W ith their help, we are hoping to create promotional videos, create
ticket deals with pride organizations, and get our posters out to more
community spaces. W e also have the benefit of our partnership with Honey
Suckle Tea House, which has its own following.
PROJECT/PROGRAM
BUDGET
Please fill out the charts below with your project's expenses and income.
Use the "Explanation" box to offer details for each category. NOTE: The
Total Cash Expense must equal the Total Cash Income. View an example
budget here.
Budgeted Expense
Expenses-english-rev ised.xlsx
Budgeted Income
Income-english-rev ised.xlsx
Are you able to fulfill
the full scope of your
project if your grant
is only partially
funded?
Yes
Resumes of artists/administrators
Grace_Siplon_Theatre_Resume.pdf
Copy_of_Cameron_W aters_Theatre_Resume.docx.pdf
Docusign Envelope ID: 4C9171AB-143C-42AB-9008-EB81023098B4
W ork Samples
CYRANO_costume_design.pdf
Title of sample Cyrano Costume Design
Artist name Grace Siplon
Year created 2024
By_my_troth_Blue_Box_Theatre_deliv ers_originality_and_laughs_in_“Much_Ado”_-
_The_Local_Reporter.pdf
Title of sample Review of "Much Ado"
Artist name Pamir Kiciman (reviewer)
Year created 2023
Medium (if applicable) theatrical review
Historys_first_mean_girl__Upcoming_play_retells_story_of_Helen_of_Troy_-.pdf
Title of sample Review of "Helen Of"
Artist name Charlene W u (reviewer)
Year created 2024
Medium (if applicable) theatrical review
Triangle_Rev iew_May_9_2024_Issue_Part_2_Kurt_Benruds_TITAN_ARUM_Rev iew.pdf
Title of sample Review of "Titan Arum"
Artist name Kurt Benrud (reviewer)
Year created 2024
Medium (if applicable) theatrical review
Video Sample:
External Link
Letters of support
(optional)
Docusign Envelope ID: 4C9171AB-143C-42AB-9008-EB81023098B4