The unusual grantmaking program - Knight began with a Miami challenge three years ago; Philadelphia is the second such program - will officially begin Oct. 5. Applications may be submitted until Oct. 31.
There are only three rules for the challenge: The idea must be about the arts; the project must take place in or benefit Philadelphia; and grant recipients must find funds to match Knight's commitment.
Applications will be reviewed and winnowed by Knight officials and local artists and arts officials from a variety of disciplines. After the first stage of review, surviving applicants will be invited to submit more complete descriptions of their ideas and proposals.
Winners will be selected by the foundation and announced early next year; similar rounds of applications and reviews will follow in the subsequent two years.
"I think the most important thing is that we have an infusion of $9 million in the creation of art in our community at a time when resources are very scarce," said Tom Kaiden, president of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. "It's a unique invitation to Philadelphia."
Scholl said there were no limits on the number of applications or ideas that may be submitted by individuals or organizations, nor would the foundation impose its own ideas of what would work best for Philadelphia. The advisory artists and officials reviewing applications will provide the necessary local expertise, he added.
"It would be presumptuous for us to tell Philadelphia what's an important, good idea for the arts in the city," Scholl said. "So we're asking them to tell us."
