This category is open to all applicants working in all eligible art forms for projects that involve the exploration of new ideas, the development of new skills, the creation of new work or a fresh interpretation of existing material. Development applications may include distribution costs.

Applications can be for one or more of the following activities:

• Research and development and/or production and public presentation of a new idea or a new work
• Professional and/or skills development of individual artists and/or arts workers
• Commissions in fields such as writing, music composition or visual arts
• Collaborations designed to produce new work and/or a period of research and skills development, involving two or more individuals, groups or organisations or artists working with the community or through residencies
• The revival and reinterpretation of plays, choreography and/or music, and/or
• The presentation of visual arts or craft retrospectives in which the work is viewed in the context of contemporary practice.

Applications are assessed on artistic merit as well as good planning and financial responsibility. Activities which have commercial outcomes are acceptable; however, applications that prioritise commercial over artistic outcomes will not be a priority in this category. You will be more competitive in this category if your application demonstrates your history of producing or participating in the production of new works to a high standard on a regular basis.