Arts, Design, & Creative Productions Fund

This fund provides support of up to $5,000 to up to two HFA faculty members, one junior and one senior faculty who are completing a major exhibition, performance, event, composition, or catalogue.  The fund may be used to offset production costs of different works of creative nature, from visual and material exhibitions to dance and music performances to studio recordings, equipment necessary for completing a specific artistic project, stipends for graduate or undergraduate students, and material acquisition. 

Eligibility 

• Junior faculty (full-time, pre-tenure or lecturer on a continuous appointment) and Senior faculty (Rank of Professor or full-time senior lecturer/senior lecturer II on a continuous appointment) with primary appointments in Architecture, Music & Dance, Studio Arts, or Theater are eligible.  Faculty from other departments are eligible provided the proposed project aligns with the fund’s intended purpose.
• The award may be used to offset costs associated with group endeavors provided the award recipient’s contributions are substantial and significant within the project. 
• The award may not be combined with the HFA Subvention Grant.  

Application Procedure, Timeline, and Expectations 

The deadline to apply is November 15, 2025. The application form is available on the UMass InfoReady platform on August 26, 2025. The following documents are required at the time of application: 

• A one-page description of the creative activity.
• Image or visual file to illustrate the work to be undertaken.
• Please upload a project budget naming your funding sources, the amounts you are receiving from each, and a detailed list of anticipated expenses.  

November 16 - Late December 2025: Proposals are reviewed by an ad hoc group of HFA faculty in arts and design.  The Dean selects two recipients and announces finalists by the end of December.   

January 1, 2026-December 31, 2026 – All substantial work must be completed during this period (within one year of receiving the award). 

February 28, 2027 - Reports documenting progress and outcomes are due to the Dean’s Office.  If the final format of the work is expected to take place later, then an additional report is required.  Whether in printed or digital form, the HFA Arts, Design, and Creative Productions Fund should be acknowledged in the production.  

Award Management  

• Funds will be available for reimbursement beginning on January 1, 2026. The department business manager, in collaboration with the award recipient, submits a Summit report to the HFA Business Office for reimbursement of expenses made on the faculty member’s retention account. 
• All project expenses must be posted to the award recipient’s retention account by December 31, 2026. 
• The fund may be used to offset production costs of different works of creative nature, from visual and material exhibitions to dance and music performances to studio recordings, equipment necessary for completing a specific artistic project, stipends for graduate or undergraduate students, and material acquisition. The award may not be used to purchase individual faculty travel, personal expenses, or equipment.
• As always, project expenses must comply with the UMass Business and Expense Policy. 

Who to Contact  

Amy Fleig,   afleig [at] umass [dot] edu (afleig[at]umass[dot]edu,) Director of Faculty Development & Programs 

Pari Riahi, priahi [at] umass [dot] edu (priahi[at]umass[dot]edu,) Associate Dean for Research & Engagement