Panel process

All applications to the Arts Development Program, Young People and the Arts, Indigenous Arts, Contemporary Music and Designer Fashion are peer-assessed by members of their sector, with the exception of applications to Artflight and the Emerging Curators Program. Applications to these are assessed by internal Panel.

Peer panellists are practicing artists, arts workers, arts managers or individuals with relevant knowledge and experience, and are appointed by the Minister for Culture and the Arts for three years. Panellists are selected for each assessment round on the basis that they are free from conflict of interest pertaining to the applications and have the relevant expertise to thoroughly assess the applications.

All panellists are required to observe a code of conduct of impartiality and confidentiality and undertake thorough assessment of each application. Assessment meetings are supervised by Department staff to ensure adherence to the code of conduct for peer assessment, however Department staff members are not involved in decision making.

The assessing Panel considers each application and how well it meets the relevant selection criteria and priorities. With limited funding available, the Panel is often unable to support all applications that competitively address the selection criteria.  

Following the Panel assessment meeting, you will receive a letter of notification summarising the reasons why your application has been successful or unsuccessful, notification may take up to 3 months. You are also encouraged to seek further Panel feedback from the relevant Project Officer.

Remember, where possible, panellists like to be aware of your work prior to assessment.  Please forward invitations or information about relevant events, programs or initiatives to the relevant Project Officer for circulation, preferably by email.