1 person = $5 = 1 bowl of soup = option to present = 1 vote
What is OMA's Soup?
OMA's Soup borrows from community based grants such as Detroit SOUP and Portland STOCK. Like those grants OMA's Soup is communally funded, but it is also privately augmented with a dollar for dollar match. It is open to Hunter MFA candidates and alumni. Anyone wishing to be considered for this grant must make a public presentation of his or her project during a bi-annual event called Oma’s Soup. The $5 admission price to the event entitles
each attendee to a bowl of soup, the option to present a proposal and a vote. The
proposal with the most votes gets the cash award collected from the donations
at the end of the evening. The Oma Fund matches the money collected dollar for dollar –doubling the amount communally raised.
Who or what is Oma?
Oma was my grandmother Elsa Jonas. Rather than conform and resist change Oma and my grandfather Curt Jonas leaped into into unknown and saved themselves from annihilation. As a child it was my grandmother who encouraged me to leap into the unknown and become an artist. The Oma Grant would like to support such leaps.
How much money will be granted?
The total amount you receive depends on the number of people attending Oma’s Soup. For example, if 50 people attend the event, they will raise $250, the Oma Fund will match it, bringing the total to $500.
Any artists currently enrolled in Hunter’s MFA Program and any Hunter MFA Alumni who has not previously received the Oma Grant.
You must give a public presentation about your project during the Oma’s Soup event. Other than a five-minute time limit, there are no limitations as to the form or content of your presentation OR your proposed project. However, you must respect all conduct and safety rules that govern the MFA program.
How many times can you apply?
You can apply as many times as you want; but you can receive the Oma Grant only once.
Who can attend the Oma’s Soup event?
Anyone who contributes $5 is welcome to Oma’s Soup, but only Hunter MFA students and alumni can present proposals. Attendees are not obliged to apply for the grant; it is okay to come and eat soup, see the presentations, be supportive and vote.
Who judges the submissions and how are they judged?
Anyone donating $5 in cash who attends Oma’s Soup gets to vote. Your $5 = your bowl of soup = your vote.
When is the submission deadline?
You have to email me a week before Oma’s Soup so your name can be added to the ballot. (Yes, we will have ballots). Your actual proposal is due the evening of Oma’s Soup. This semester’s event will take place on March 21 at 7pm.
Are there any restrictions and requirements once you get the award?
Your project must be completed within six months from the award; and you must present documentation of your completed project at the following Oma’s Soup.
How many awards are given per semester/year?
One award will be given each semester i.e. two per year.
