USITT has begun soliciting proposals for its new PURPOSE (Plan for Unprecedented Research Projecting Optimal and Sustainable Engagement) program, offering research grant funding of up to $10,000 per recipient to support individual and group investigations into current industry restart efforts that include changed production operations, increased sustainability of physical resources, and/or improved working conditions for all artists and technicians.
USITT President Carolyn Satter notes that, “When USITT was established, research was and remains one of the primary purposes for its existence. For the institute, this funding is an investment in our members, with a return that will yield a positive impact on our industry. The board of directors is proud to make available up to $30,000 in grant funding for this program for USITT members.”
According to USITT board member Nicole Queenan, who chairs the Institute’s Research Activities Committee, the goal of providing this funding is to help partially underwrite investigations into shifting production practices from
historic norms to pandemic-related necessities and to what may be desired into the future.
Proposals for this new grant program are being accepted from USITT members who are intending to research current challenges faced by the entertainment industry. Deadline to apply for an inaugural USITT PURPOSE grant is December 1, 2021, with funds scheduled to be dispersed in January 2022. Research is to be completed and a final report submitted by January 2023. Go here for more information and to apply.
