Business coaching program for emerging independent producers of dance and theatre

Applications for this grant close 15 December 2011
Decisions will be advised by 22 December 2011
Funded projects can start February 2012

Boot Camp assessment panel met on 20 December 2011 to assess the grant applications, further information and successful recipients can be viewed here

What is Boot Camp

Boot Camp is an intensive, three month, business coaching program for emerging independent producers to be matched with highly regarded producers who will coach them for the duration of the program. Boot Camp has been created by the Australia Council for the Arts with Independent Producers Australia (IPA)

Who is Boot Camp for?

At the recent Independent Producers Summit managed by Independent Producers Australia (IPA) it was recognised that as an independent producer you can feel isolated and disconnected, and it takes time and experience to build the knowledge and networks for success.

If you are an independent producer, in the first six years of your career, seeking knowledge and experience from an established business coach; get ready to limber up with four legends of the Australian Performing Arts world:

Wendy Blacklock
Marguerite Pepper
Annette Downs
Christine Dunstan

There are five opportunities available for emerging independent producers to form a business coaching relationship with one of these experienced producers over a three month period – February to May 2012.

Click here to read more about the coaches

Background

The Australia Council’s Market Development section aims to increase the visibility and viability of Australian arts with programs and initiatives that complement the sector plans of the artform boards.
It is responsible for:

• connecting Australian art with markets and audiences, nationally and internationally
• building knowledge via research and evaluation
• strategic investment and initiatives to help artists reach their full potential.

Sector issue: Market Development attended the recent Independent Producer Summit managed by Independent Producers Australia (IPA) and noted a range of issues impacting on emerging independent producers including:

• a sense of isolation in their work
• a need for more support for managing the practical matters. For example: building market knowledge more efficiently; managing the expectations of artists; what to charge; general industry standards; and, approaches to advocacy.

This new program aims to support the development of emerging independent producers by linking them with key established independent producers in the industry through a three month business coaching program.

Who qualifies as an independent producer?

An independent producer is someone who represents a number of performing artists, or produces for festivals or events, independently of another organisation. Independent producers manage and support artists to create work. The independent producer is linked into national and international networks, finds unique opportunities for artists, and makes amazing things happen.

Who is emerging?

Emerging independent producers must have at least one year, but no more than six years, practicing experience in the industry. Independent producers with more than six years full time work in the industry are not eligible.

The program plan, induction and debrief

This program commences with a two day induction featuring all the selected emerging independent producers and coaches. The induction is scheduled to occur directly before the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) in Adelaide on the 25 and 26 February; and so maximise you and your coach’s relationship, and to provide an excellent networking opportunity for you and your coach at this important gathering of national and international industry peers.
The Boot Camp supports:

• the Induction
• accommodation
• flights
• APAM registration

The debrief is scheduled to be held in Sydney on the 31 May, coinciding with the Vivid festival.
The Boot Camp supports the selected emerging independent producers:

• accommodation
• flights

Attendance at the induction and debrief are mandatory and will provide you with: an opportunity to establish a plan for the coaching relationship; time to work with the coach to consider goals and aspirations at the start, and a time to reflect on what was achieved at the end; connections and opportunities to network with the sector; and, a link into the special group of nine (5 emerging independent producers and 4 coaches) who participate in the 2012 program that may provide a long term network and support for you and your business.

Business investment

In addition to the induction, attendance at APAM, and the debrief, the emerging independent producers in Boot Camp will receive $4,000 to invest in their business. The way the $4,000 will be invested emerges through the business coaching period as the emerging independent producer and coach identify business development opportunities. These opportunities may include, but are not limited to: market development activities such as travel to a suitable national or international arts market, festival or meeting to develop your networks; investment in new and existing work; wages for the independent producer in a critical stage of a project’s delivery; strategic business investment such as financial, marketing, and administration resources or support.

Please submit the following via email to k.harford@australiacouncil.gov.au by 15 December 2011

1. Your curriculum vitae.

2. A two (2) page expression of interest outlining:

• your business. Detail: when you commenced as an independent producer; what the nature of your business is; your current projects, and what your aspirations for these projects are.
• what you want to get out of the program both personally and professionally.
• what skills you believe you need to develop to be a successful independent producer.
• how this opportunity will benefit your career development and the artists/projects you work with.

3. Two letters of support.

4. A statement of commitment to the timeline listed below:

• 24-25 Feb 2012: planning session to determine work plan for next three months.
• 26 Feb to 1 March 2012: Australian Performing Arts Market in Adelaide.
• March to May: weekly meetings with your coach and implementation of plan as decided and arranged in the planning session.
• 31 May: debrief session in Sydney.

Assessment criteria:

1. Eligibility.
2. A demonstrated track record as an emerging independent producer.
3. Clear benefits outlined for you, your business and your clients.
4. Commitment to the timeline.

An external assessment panel of sector peers reviews applications against the assessment criteria above, with advice from Market Development and Arts Funding staff.

For more information

If you require further information or would like to discuss your application before you submit it please contact Katie Harford k.harford@australiacoucnil.gov.au 02 9215 9041.

Business coaching program for emerging independent producers of dance and theatre

Applications for this grant close 15 December 2011
Decisions will be advised by 22 December 2011
Funded projects can start February 2012

General FAQs

As this is a new initiative, we are yet to come across any questions. However if you have any please contact Katie Harford via email k.harford@australiacouncil.gov.au 02 9215 9041