Arts Development Panel Feedback - July 2008

ASSESSMENT REPORT - July 2008

The Arts Development Panel met on August 28th and 29th, 2008  to consider the second round of grant applications for 2008 (closing date July 4, 2008).  Applications were considered across all artforms for projects commencing after December 1, 2008.

This round included applications to the Development, Distribution, Publishing Assistance Program, A Few New Words, Short-term Artist in Residence (STAR) and Annual Program funding categories in all artforms. 

Total Applications Received: 68

Total Applications Approved: 32

Success Rate: 47%

Total Requested: $1,533,743

Total Approved: $666,055.00*

Allocation Rate: 43%

*this figure includes $28,750 for the Playwright Development Program funded by the Theatre Board of the Australia Council.

GENERAL COMMENTS

The Panel commented favourably on the responsive nature of the Department to feedback made as part of the peer panel process, particularly in relation to the inclusion this round of the Playwright Development Program (PDP).   The Theatre Board of the Australia Council for the Arts and the Department of Culture and the Arts have entered into a partnership to provide funding for professional development opportunities for Western Australian playwrights.  The creation of the Playwright Development Program included consultation with the Australia Council, Stages WA Playwrights’ Consortium, and Playwriting Australia. Three applications were received to the PDP and two were supported.

The “A Few New Words Poetry Publishing Initiative” which supports self publishing by poets is in its second year of a three year term.  In this round, one application was received and was supported by the Panel. 

Another new initiative in 2008 is an addition to STAR that encourages artists to work with heritage collections.  This is a result of the Department’s response to the recommendations of the Museum Policy Reference Group Report: Developing a Way Forward for Western Australia’s Heritage Collections and Collectors. Three applications were received, of which one was supported.

In addition, the Arts Development Panel reviewed the artistic programs of 13 multiyear funded organisations, including: Goolari Media, Southern Edge Arts, Perth Jazz Society, Fremantle Children’s Literature Centre, Western Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra, Strut Dance, Musica Viva, WA Playwrights Consortium, Steps Youth Dance Company, JazzWA, Thinice Productions, Arts Law and Children’s Book Council of Australia (WA Branch). 

 
PANEL COMMENTS

Artistic merit

The panel noted that many applicants described their activities without adequately expressing the creative core of their undertaking. As a result, some applications seemed superficial or “hollow” when considered against the key selection criteria of artistic merit.
The 2009 Arts Grants Handbook is currently under revision to clarify selection criteria, which may help applicants better formulate and describe their activities in future rounds. The application form is also undergoing a makeover to better align questions with the revised selection criteria.

Applications with a clear, commercial outcome

The Department is in favour of supporting artists to have a financially viable practice.  However, the Panel wish to reinforce that applicants need to ensure that their application adequately addresses artistic merit as the key selection criteria.
The 2009 Arts Grants Handbook and application form are currently under revision to assist applicants to better frame their activities against selection criteria.  

Theatre applications

The panel noted that assessment of applications in theatre would be assisted by the inclusion of director’s notes, articulating in some detail the director’s creative approach to the project to be undertaken. In this recent round, the panel noted that this key, creative vision was often inadequately addressed as part of the application.
The 2009 Arts Grants Handbook has been revised to include up to 2 pages of director’s notes as required Support material.

Eligible projects

The panel noted the broad nature of the parameters determining eligibility of arts activities for funding as part of the Department’s arts funding program. The panel encourages potential applicants to apply with projects that reflect the rich diversity of artistic practice.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss with Project Officers how the panel apply the selection criteria in the assessment of applications as this will help to inform how they describe their activities within the framework of the application form.

Selection Criteria

The panel reviewed the current selection criteria and their suitability to the peer assessment process.
Selection criteria for the 2009 Arts Grants Handbook will be streamlined and include directions to suggest what the panel hope to see in any application. This does not diminish the need for applicants to talk with a project officer to discuss the specific needs and benefits of their activity, and how these can be expressed within the Arts Grants framework.

Artists fees

The 2008 Arts Grants Handbook encourages a professional rate of pay to be allocated to artists and arts workers. However, the panel expressed concern at the high rates of pay which seemed disproportionate to the outcomes for the artists. This is due to the recommended rates by some agencies that include an hourly rather than daily or weekly rate of pay for longer projects.
Artists are recommended to use Budget Notes in their application form to describe how a reasonable fee for activities has been calculated, bearing in mind that budgets are peer assessed.

STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Arts Development Panel
Round Closing July 2008
Applications Received and Amounts Requested by Artform

*this figure includes $28,750 for the Playwright Development Program funded by the Theatre Board of the Australia Council.