Arts Council Funding Tips

Last night I attended a presentation at the NSW Writers' Centre given by two staff from Australia Council for the Arts (Willow Drummond and Catherine Gray) . Basically, the presentation didn't tell those present anything new - all of the information is available on the website (www.autsraliacouncil.gov.au) but the speakers did provide a few tips for successful applications:

• Check the website


• Phone the office and ask questions about the suitability of your project


• Apply online


• Use plain English - keep it simple


• Consider - Why this? Why now? Why me? Sincerity and passion works well


• Present a reasonably balance budget


• Provide appropriate support materials in the genre you are applying for funding for


• Don't apply last minute - applications take time


• Just because you are unsuccessful in one round, doesn't mean you will be unsuccessful in the future


• Look at the videos of successful applicants on the website. Some successful applicants also write blogs with tips


• Look at what has been funded in the past and consider if your project is a good fit


• Don't give up - keep on with your arts project regardless!