Throughout history and recently in modern times, patronage of the Arts and Sciences has helped expand their scope and achievements as well as bringing recognition and fame to their sponsors. From Gaius Maecenas of ancient Rome, the Medici’s, to the X-Prize Foundation, these patrons have provided the financial support and incentive that brought the arts and sciences of their periods to new heights. A consequence of this elevation of the arts and sciences is increased public recognition of the patrons.

Goal
The goal of the Caer Galen Patronage Prize is to elevate the areas of Arts and Sciences within the SCA by providing an annual competitive event backed by a financial incentive.

Project Guidance
Projects should be directed towards the thought that these items will be used as prizes or largesse. Projects are not limited to the works of a single artisan, and collaborations or group projects are encouraged. Perishables, such as food and drink, and personalized, non-adjustable items such as tight-fitting clothing are not encouraged.

Format
Entrants will submit projects and documentation suitable for prizes or largesse to be judged by a panel of judges which will include the Baron and Baroness of Caer Galen. Winners, as determined by the judges, will receive cash prizes supplied by the Patronage Prize Committee.

Prizes
Prizes for the 2009 Caer Galen Patronage Prize will consist of three cash prizes for the first three places. Values will be a minimum of:
~ $200.00 First Prize
~ $100.00 Second Prize
~ $50.00 Third Prize

Prizes may be increased if there are sufficient donations to increase the base values in the ratio of 4:2:1 respectively. In case of a tie, the projects which tied will split the appropriate prizes; i.e. a two-way tie for first place would earn each project a minimum of $150.00 (the average of the first and second place prizes: $200.00 and $100.00).

Entry Requirements
The primary entry requirements are:
~ the submission of a completed Entry Form (coming soon)
~ the submission of supporting documentation of the project
~ the donation of the project to the Barony of Caer Galen.

All entry documentation must be received by the submission date and the project must be available for view and possession on the day of the competition. This competition is open to all SCA and non-SCA members with an interest in medieval arts around the world.

Documentation
Basic documentation may be completed on the Entry Form which covers topics such as artisans involved with the work, and materials and techniques used. Historical documentation for the use of a particular technique, material, or design is not required but is helpful, and may increase the value of the project in the eyes of judges.

Judges
The judging panel will consist of the Baron and Baroness of Caer Galen and, with Their Excellencies permission, any visiting nobility, such as Their Majesties or other Barons and Baronesses. Background or expertise in medieval Arts and Sciences is not a pre-requisite to judge. In addition, at Their Excellencies option, a popular vote may also be included.

Judging
Each judge will choose their top five choices and rank them from 1 to 5. A #1 rank is worth 5 points towards the project while a #5 rank is worth 1. In case a judge is unable to decide between two projects for a rank, the average rank may be given to the projects (i.e. if a judge likes two projects for #2, then each project would be ranked as #2.5 - the average of ranks 2 and 3, and each project would earn 3.5 points - the average of 4 and 3 points). The winning project is the one with the highest point total. Judging is subjective, but should not be limited to appearance, utility or skill. The perceived usefulness of the project as a tourney prize or largesse should also be considered.

Funding
The CGPP will be funded through private donations and is not financially backed by the Barony of Caer Galen. Minimum funding will be $350.00 to meet the minimum prize values. Additional donations may be accepted and used to increase the prize level. Donations to the CGPP will allow donors the option to be listed on CGPP literature as “A Patron of the Arts and Sciences”. Donations will not be tax-deductible, as the CGPP Committee is not an official entity under the SCA and is not a non-profit organization.

Naming Rights
The donor who provides the largest donation will have the option of adding a name to the CGPP. For instance, Duke Mighty Sword donates the most money and would like to use his name for the prize – "The Duke Mighty Sword Prize". The words “Caer Galen” may or may not be included as a part of the name. Appropriate names may include the name of the donor, memorials, or other persons who consent to have their name used in such a manner. Names for businesses or other groups may also be used. All proposed names will be vetted for suitability by Their Excellencies of Caer Galen. The default name for the 2009 prize is the 2009 or A.S. XLIII Caer Galen Patronage Prize.

Schedule
January 26th, 2008 – Caer Galen A&S Event – Announcement of the 2009 CGPP
January, 2008 – begin accepting donations for 2009 CGPP
January, early, 2009 – final submission date for the 2009 CGPP
January-February, 2009 – Caer Galen A&S Event – 2009 CGPP final judging, awards

Miscellaneous Notes
Projects need not be limited to a single creator. Artisans are encouraged to work together and utilize multiple fields in a single work. Examples might include a Book of Hours that draws on the skills of a paper/parchment maker, a printer or illuminator/calligrapher, and a book binder; or a carved jewelry box with metal inlay or gemstones that would require the work of a woodworker, metal worker, and jeweler.

Conclusion
It is hoped that this proposal will elevate medieval Arts and Sciences in the Outlands to new heights; to encourage the artisans, scientists, and researchers to pool their skills and attempt greater, multi-disciplinary projects. Backed by patrons who will sponsor the prize, it is also hoped that a new conduit of resources to support the Arts and Sciences will be opened, and that a new source for support and encouragement will be established.

Contact Information
Caer Galen Patronage Prize Administrator
Lord Hayashi Ryōchiro Katanori (mka Binhan Lin)
e-mail: Binhan.Lin@gmail.com
phone: (303) 926-1971 (home – please no calls after 9 PM Mountain)