REJECTED! (Again)

REJECTED!

I have an interesting relationship with the Washington Commission on the Arts & Humanities. For the last 20+ years they have rejected my artwork for their annual call for art for the city’s collection or any other proposal that I've submitted.

At the same time, they usually ask me separately to be in one of their panels selecting artists and artwork for fellowships, projects, or to acquire art. This year is no exception! Below is my annual rejection email... and yes, separately they've asked me to serve in one of their panels again!

Dear Lenny Campello: 

DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities (CAH) appreciates your FY27 Art Bank Program Grant application. Unfortunately, your application was not approved for funding.  

Please know that CAH makes every effort to gain valuable feedback from the advisory panelists and shares that information with applicants upon request. Many applicants have found these comments and insights from panelists helpful in furthering their endeavors, as well as in developing future applications to CAH. You may request a debriefing within 60 days from the date of this letter by filling out this form. Due to volume and staff capacity, please allow for up to six months for debrief processing. If you have further questions, please contact Curator Michelle May-Curry at michelle.may-curry@dc.gov or (202) 215-9486.

CAH appreciates your valuable contribution to the arts and humanities community and encourages you to apply to future grant programs. You may wish to consider participating in our grant workshops to obtain information about specific grant programs and best practices for applying to CAH’s grants. Once grants are open, a list of workshops may be found on CAH’s website at www.dcarts.dc.gov. 

Sincerely, 

Karyn Miller 

Public Arts Department Manager