ArtStart December 2009
This report summarises the results of the ArtStart assessment meeting held on 01 December 2009 and provides some statistical information and general comments from the panel. At the end of the report is a list of successful applicants.
The purpose of the ArtStart program is to provide financial assistance to recent creative arts graduates who are committed to establishing a career as a professional artist. Grants are provided to fund services, resources, skills development and equipment that help graduate artists to build an income-generating career in the arts practice they have studied. It is not age dependent; however, applicants must have graduated from an eligible creative arts course in 3 years prior or will graduate prior to the commencement of their ArtStart project.
The round which closed on October 26 was the first of eight ArtStart grant rounds which form a four year program of career and business development support to emerging artists.
Of the 155 applications that were received 53 were funded. Applicants requested $1,461,467.00 with $507,680 being distributed. This represents a 34 per cent overall success rate.
Applicants successful in this round proposed a broad range of approaches to business and career development. These include marketing support, business and accounting support, facilities, space and equipment to assist in becoming more sustainable, maintenance of professional skills, promotion and developing industry networks and new markets.
The strongest applications were ones which applicants proposed a strategic mix of several of the approaches listed above, coupled with realistic financial targets. Successful applicants were passionate, clear and strategic.
We encourage applicants to speak with ArtStart staff prior to submitting their applications, it was noted that several applicants requested primary funds for discrete project funding and did not articulate viable strategies to achieve long term aims or career sustainability. We encourage applicants to think about their twelve month ArtStart activities in the context of the broader five year plan which we ask you to outline and to select the activities for your ArtStart activities which will have the most sustainable impact.
Applicants who were unsuccessful in this round are able to reapply, as long as the closing date remains within three years from their graduation date. The 2010 rounds of ArtStart close on 8 March and 4 October 2010.
It was noted that several applications would have been better suited to new work or the skills development categories of relevant art form boards. We encourage applicants to investigate other avenues of funding within the Australia Council for discrete projects or projects focussed on creative development.
The peers looked at all the proposals in relation to the following criteria:
- Demonstrated commitment from the artist and potential partners
- Potential quality of artistic practise
- The viability of the business plan.
The panel were excited by the number of applications which thought strategically about developing networks for the sale of work or finding new audiences for their work.
The panel urged applicants to research their industries to gain a more in depth understanding of viable career development pathways and how their industry operates.
The panel were impressed by a number of applications from recent graduates who showed that they had developed contacts within the professional arts community.
I would like to thank the Assessment Panel for their time and commitment in assessing the ArtStart proposals for the 26 October 2009 closing date.
The panel consisted of:
Jennifer Barry
Director and CEO, Footscray Community Arts Centre
Jennifer Barry has almost 20 years experience as a manager, producer and consultant in the performing arts industry. Before her appointment as Footscray Community Arts Centre’s Director and CEO, Jennifer was the Director of Keep Breathing, an arts management, production, project management and consulting company she established in 2002. In addition to her roles as a producer and manager, Jennifer has extensive experience as a consultant specialising in strategic planning for the arts and cultural sector.
Liz Burcham
Chief Executive Officer, Metro Arts
Liz has 17 years experience in the creative industries working for book publishers, newspaper and television companies in production and new business development. Liz took up the position as CEO of metro Arts at the beginning of 2006. She is also currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate at QUT in Creative Industries to assist with gaining a deeper understanding of the valuable work Metro Arts is doing in the development of sustainable artistic practice.
Melinda Martin, Artist Business Manager, AbaF
Melinda holds a Masters Degree (Fine Arts & Cinema Studies) from the University of Melbourne, a Post Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies from Deakin University, a Certificate IV in OH&S from Ballarat University and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Melbourne. Her experience within the arts industry includes Gallery Manager at Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne; Program Manager and Acting Director at Monash Gallery of Art, studio manager for painter John Young and research assistant to Dr Chris McAuliffe, University of Melbourne.
Lena Nahlous, Director of ICE and SWITCH
Lena is a cultural development worker, arts manager and writer. She has worked for over a decade in non-government organisations, managing and collaborating on initiatives that have engaged thousands of people, particularly women, refugees, migrants and young people. At ICE, she established Artfiles, a portal and directory for Western Sydney artists, the Switch Multimedia and Digital Arts Access Centre and was a co-founder of the Sydney Arab Film Festival.
Sandy Verschoor
CEO, Adelaide Fringe Festival
Sandy is currently the CEO of the Adelaide Fringe Festival and has worked in marketing for many years. In 1995 Sandy was appointed Marketing Manager for the Adelaide Festival of Arts; a year later taking on the role of Marketing and Development Director (1996-1999).During this time Sandy was also the EO and Marketing Manager of the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., and Marketing Manager for the 1997 Come Out Festival. More recently, Sandy worked as Marketing Director at the South Australian Museum (1999-2000).In July 2001, Sandy joined Arts Projects Australia as Marketing and Development Director. She facilitates the Marketing (Arts) course on campus.
Kath Melbourne
Program Manager, ArtStart.
Australia Council for the Arts
Successful applicants from the December 2009 Assessment Meeting
Nigel Brown, Vic., Music, $10,000
The production of CD publications of two projects for use as promotional documents.
Fiona Bryant, Vic., Dance, $9,475
Development, marketing and touring of a suite of solo dance works and development of compatible income and skills.
Melissa Cameron, Vic., Visual Arts, $10,000
To maintain an independent studio practice focused on the creation of research based jewellery.
Anika Cook, Vic., Visual Arts, $10,000
The establishment of manufacturing processes and skills development in promotion and production.
Katrina Cornwell, Qld , Theatre, $7,158
Develop a business conducting workshops at various schools in regional Queensland.
Leah Curtis, ACT, Music, $9,500
The establishment of a professional music practice.
Anna Lise De Lorenzo, NSW, Visual Arts, $10,000
Object design studio launch supported by a series of curated exhibitions investigating emerging local object design.
Anne Margaret Duff, WA, Visual Arts, $10,000
The development of a professional practice, to produce a marketable product and raise the artist’s professional profile.
Sandra Elverd, SA, Visual Arts, $10,000
Developing and building on the artist’s professional visual arts practice.
Laila Engle, Vic., Music, $10,000
To develop, brand and market a financially sustainable chamber music ensemble.
Patricia Escalon, Qld, Theatre, $10,000
Establish a business as a workshop facilitator and writer for live and digital performance.
Rachel Feery, Vic., Inter-Arts, $10,000
Development of the artist’s professional practise as an artist/curator & the production of a series of screenings to launch the DVD Zine 'Short Play'.
Marita Fraser, NSW, Visual Arts, $10,000
Establishment of an artist studio and the printing of a colour catalogue to support the artist’s visual art practice.
Maria Freij, NSW, Literature, $10,000
A twelve month mentorship with Mascara Literary Review to develop skills in professional editing to improve her creative writing practise.
Michaela Gleave, NSW, Visual Arts, $10,000
To firmly establish a significant practice within Australia and build her profile internationally.
Mishelle Grigor, NSW, Theatre, $10,000
To hire an office space and to take a professional development trip to PSI Conference, Toronto.
Rachel Hennessy, Vic., Literature, $10,000
To purchase equipment and hire space to continue her professional creative writing practice.
Tracey Johnson, Qld, Visual Arts, $10,000
Support for the establishment of a professional visual arts practise.
Zoe Johnson, NSW, Visual Arts, $10,000
Starting a glass/sculpture studio complete with cold working facilities and space for up to 10 tenants.
(Melissa) Claude Jones, NSW, Visual Arts, $9,675
To develop and implement a marketing strategy to raise the artist’s profile, increase gallery and media attention and sales.
Erin Kelly, Vic., Theatre, $8,740
The development her professional theatre writing practise.
David Kirkpatrick, NSW, Theatre, $10,000
Laying the foundations to make a living as a sound and multimedia artist.
Amelia Lackmann, Vic., Visual Arts, $9,850
To develop a creative arts venture that specializes in contemporary mural art and design.
Ange Leech, Vic., Visual Arts, $10,000
To set up, establish and run a visual art's business.
Natasha Lester, WA, Literature, $3,500
To set up an author website to promote both the writer and the publication of her novel.
Keiko Matsui, NSW, Visual Arts, $10,000
To purchase ceramic studio equipment, develop quality publicity material and undertake a mentorship.
Janet McKay, Qld, Music, $8,950
Development of an arts business conducting instrumental workshops in schools that focus on contemporary performance practice.
Natalia Milosz-Piekarska, Vic., Visual Arts, $10,000
To further develop the artist’s contemporary jewellery practice as a viable business and creative career.
Rhiannon Newton, WA, Dance, $10,000
To undertake strategic activities to gain further dance employment and establish a practice as a dance maker.
Que Nguyen, Vic., Music, $10,000
To establish & promote a professional sound art practice via CD release, performance and publication.
Jon Oldmeadow, Vic., Visual Arts, $8,000
To establish the artist’s professional multi disciplinary art practice.
Matthew Prest, NSW, Theatre, $10,000
To set up the theatre practitioner as a professional contemporary performance maker and freelance performer.
Georgina Read, NSW, Theatre, $10,000
For space, training and documentation to develope their performance practice.
Georgie Roxby Smith, Vic., Visual Arts, $,9479
To establish an independent, sustainable arts practice in a supportive studio based peer environment.
Dionisia Salas Hammer, Vic., Visual Arts, $10,000
To develop a viable basis for exploring the artist’s cultural background and political concerns through art.
Leanne Sharam, NSW, Inter-Arts, $10,000
To establish a creative enterprise creating 2+3D animated art video installations & books.
Stuart Shugg Vic., Dance, $10,000
To undertake a mentorship and develop skills in film technology to assist in the documentation and promotion of the artist’s work.
Joseph Simons, NSW, Dance, $10,000
To set up a new company committed to creating new dance works and offering dance related services.
Jason Sims, SA, Visual Arts, $10,000
To set up and run a successful visual arts practice.
Kate Stokes, Vic., Visual Arts, $10,000
To set up and run an independent product and furniture design practice.
Trent Suidgeest, WA, Theatre, $9,953
For the support of strategic career development activities aimed at increases potential markets and partners.
Hanna Tai, Vic., Visual Arts, $10,000
To assist in the establishment of the artist’s professional practice.
Rosa Tato. Vic., Visual Arts, $10,000
To run a viable arts practice efficiently whilst developing artistic skills and business acumen.
Lara Thoms, Vic., Inter-Arts, $9,900
To undertake a year of career development in inter disciplinary arts practice.
Emma Thomson, NSW, Visual Arts, $10,000
Secure and set up a professional photographic studio to create works for exhibition.
Michelle Van Eps, Qld, Visual Arts, $10,000
To establish a studio, website and visual arts small business.
Sean Van Doornum, NSW, Music, $8,000
To seek business, legal, marketing advice/training for an arts business for composing, arranging, rehearsing, recording and performing original music.
Amber, Ward, WA, Visual Arts, $10,000
Sustainable art & design practice incorporating e commerce website for commercial art distribution.
Kit Webster, Vic., Inter-Arts, $10,000
To create a business developing, constructing and exhibiting light and sound sculptures and other digital services.
Malcolm Whittaker, NSW, Theatre, $10,000
Building networks and records to develop a sustainable practice and longevity as a viable artist.
Miriam Williamson, NSW Visual Arts, $5,500
An arts business start up package including improving business skills and planning, equipping studio and networks.
Patricia Wood, NSW, Dance, $10,000
To develop and sustain a performance career in the dance industry.
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