Contact: Dana Pezoldt | (305) 375-2161 | Dana.Pezoldt@miamidade.gov
Deadline: Ongoing - Applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the project/event start date. Refer to the AUD Program Guidelines for additional information.
Maximum Request: $5,000
Audience Access (AUD) Grant Program Guidelines
The Department of Cultural Affairs is committed to continuing its collaborative efforts in working with people with disabilities and cultural/community organizations to help address ADA compliance issues, programmatic accessibility, and audience development and outreach efforts. The Department strives to ensure that all of its grantees are likewise committed to making their facilities and programs accessible to people of all abilities.
The Audience Access (AUD) Grant Program is designed to provide funding to help pay for arts program ADA/access technology and services, such as American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, captioning, audio description, materials in accessible format, ADA/access training, and other such services to ensure programmatic access for audiences of all abilities. This program is not intended to provide assistance in funding entire projects/productions or capital/facilities projects or improvements, such as construction, renovation or major equipment purchases.
Applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the project/event start date. Applicants may apply once per fiscal year. Applications are accepted on a year round basis, subject to the availability of funds. Funding is limited and eligible projects will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. This program does not require panel review.
The AUD grant has no matching funds requirement. Funded projects are paid on a reimbursement basis.
Organizations offering sensory-inclusive performances, programs, or events are also encouraged to utilize the Sensory Inclusive Access Symbol to help audiences identify welcoming and accessible experiences for individuals with sensory sensitivities and related disabilities. The symbol is intended to support audience awareness and accessibility outreach efforts and may be used in conjunction with accommodations such as modified lighting and sound levels, quiet areas, social narratives, sensory supports, and trained staff assistance. Cultural organizations may also submit eligible sensory-inclusive events to be promoted through the Department’s sensory-inclusive events calendar and resources website at www.SensoryInclusive.org.
For more information and resources to help cultural organizations make programs and facilities accessible to audiences and visitors with disabilities, visit www.miamidadearts.org/adaaccessibility-resources-links-cultural-organizations.