Young People and the Arts Panel Feedback - February 2009
General Comments
This was a competitive funding round. Applicants are reminded that Project Officers are available to provide guidance on the funding program, and feedback on application drafts. Applicants are urged to show a draft in its entirety (that is, include the budget) and to ensure they have addressed support materials requirements for both the category and the art form.The Arts Grants Handbook and Application Form are revised each year. Please therefore make sure that you read the handbook and application form thoroughly prior to making your application, even if you have previous experience in applying for DCA grants.
Panel Comments
Overall the panel felt that the standard of applications this round was very high; they were impressed by the quality and sophistication of applications. Particular comment was made about the high standard of support materials presented, although some applicants were still submitting too much and/or irrelevant materials.Support Materials
Please note the revised limits and requirements for support materials outlined in the 2009 Arts Grants Handbook, eg, no more that three letters of support should be submitted with your application.Please also note the following with respect to support materials:
- Try and keep support materials concise. Where provision of extended materials can not be avoided, please guide the panel as to what to watch/listen to/ read etc…
- Note the technical requirements when submitting material of an electronic nature.
- CVs/bios are to be limited in length to ONE PAGE ONLY, and specific to what you are applying for. Panellists are therefore not obligated to read more than one page of CV’s / bio submitted (and other support materials that go over the limits outlined in the Arts Grants Handbook).
- Remember wherever possible to limit samples of art work to that completed in the previous three years, and make sure it is relevant to the project.
- Whilst it is difficult in some instances to document an art form, think about how your materials will be viewed and submit materials that will assist the panel in visioning what you are trying to achieve, or that demonstrates the skills of key personnel. For example, theatre applicants should try and submit DVDs; but can also submit a script, directorial treatments, still images and reviews of previous work, and draft set and costume designs (if available).
