RedLine is a proud partner and administrator of the Arts in Society grant. This collaborative program provides grants to both individuals and organizations that use art as a vehicle to promote social justice and community welfare. 

We love highlighting our Arts in Society (AiS) grant recipients and all the unique and impactful projects made possible by their grant.

We’re excited continue this series with the 2023 AiS Grantee: Tin Roof Productions (TRP) Pilot Artist Intern Program!

Learn all about the TRP Pilot Internship Program and how it facilitates personal and professional growth opportunities for incarcerated artists.

Tell us about your organization

“Jana L Bussanich Art, Yellow Couch Creative, in partnership with Tin Roof Productions 501c3, Pilot Artist Internship Program, matching qualified incarcerated artists with art professionals through a) a rigorous application process and (b) delivering three components crucial for success in the art world: Art-practice development, mentorship, and business development.

Tin Roof Productions 501c3, Project partner, specializes in arts programming and development opportunities with people during and after Incarceration. Researches human flourishing through the arts in prisons and increasing a global conversation about their impact.

Jana L. Bussanich makes fine art watercolor paintings. She teaches online and in-person watercolor classes and founded the Yellow Couch Creative, Community, and Classroom. Jana is the author of Watercolor Technique and Color Theory Essentials: Cultivate an Art Practice That Works For You and Your Art (2021).”

Tell us about your first project that will utilize your AiS grant

Our first project, funded partly by the Arts in Society (AiS) grant, is a groundbreaking initiative with Tin Roof Productions 501c3 to launch a Pilot Artist Internship Program in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This program matched incarcerated artist Cedric Martin with watercolorist Jana L. Bussanich, oil painter and figure artist Chris Alvarez, the Groovy Printshop, and Concrete Couch, a community arts organization. The TRP program facilitated personal growth opportunities for Cedric to succeed within the Colorado Springs arts community

during his first year of reentry and beyond, focusing on three crucial components: art-practice development, coaching, and business development with guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals.

What’s next in the pipeline for your organization? What other projects are you dreaming up for next year, and how will your AiS grant help to support these efforts?

TRP's artist intern will continue in association with Jana L Bussanich Art, Yellow Couch Creative, as he begins his second year (starting Jan.2024), self-directed, managing his art, vocational interests, and pursuits. He will participate in figure drawing classes with Chris Alvarez at the Alvarez Gallery and Art School throughout 2023.

He has also completed training in screen printing, from the initial concept through the final printed design of t-shirts and more, with the Groovy Printshop. His role as an arts instructor with Concrete Couch, a 501c3 community arts organization, will continue as he transitions to year two (January 2023).

Through our program, Cedric has moved from intern to trusted colleague and friend in the arts, and we look forward to working together beyond the stated goals of the pilot program.

Tin Roof Productions is helping Cedric establish funding for the second year of his reentry (starting January 2024) as he continues his work within the Colorado Springs art community, signifying another vital step toward self-sufficiency.

What was your experience like when applying for an AiS? What tips would you share with artists looking to apply for an AiS grant?

As project lead, this is Jana L. Bussanich’s first experience applying for (and being awarded) a grant. She credits the help of willing professionals in gaining a better understanding of the problems facing returning citizens and in grant writing and suggests the following:

• Attend information meetings and read the funder's materials to understand the submission criteria.

• If you determine that your project is a good fit, start as early as possible by gathering information from trusted and experienced professionals who specialize or have experience with the problem you hope to address through your project and with grant writing.

• Respect the professional time and expertise of those you contact to ask for assistance. Explain the problem you are trying to solve (I’m writing a grant to address _____). Ask if they want more information, can meet, or schedule a call to learn more before committing to help.  If interested, ask if they have a fee for their services.

• If they are uninterested, ask if they know anyone who can help.

• Ask the funding organization for help.

• Ideally, allow time for others to review the proposal before submitting it.