Out-of-time applications
In exceptional circumstances, the Australia Council may consider grant applications outside the advertised closing dates to some categories.
Out-of-time applications may only be made for significant international activities or by artists with a terminal or debilitating illness. Some areas of Council do not accept out-of-time applications and others place limitations on the types of out-of-time applications they will accept. Please check the relevant artform area.
Out-of-time applications represent a small percentage of all applications received by the Australia Council and consent to apply out of time is rarely given.
You must contact the Australia Council to establish whether your activity is eligible for out-of-time consideration.
You will be asked to write to the relevant director or manager to obtain permission to apply out of time, explaining:
- Why the application could not have been submitted by the advertised closing date
- Why or how it might be a significant loss for cultural development if the project were not to proceed.
You should also indicate the grant category and how the proposal would meet the purpose of that category. If in doubt about the category, you should contact Australia Council staff.
A one-page curriculum vitae for each artist involved in the project and letters of confirmation of their involvement should be included with your request.
In considering your request, the relevant director will take into account:
- Your written explanation
- Whether the proposal meets the purpose of the category
- Whether approval of a grant under these guidelines would set a precedent and have unreasonable implications for future grant decision-making and policy development
- Whether there is sufficient time for assessment of your application before the project begins.
If your request to apply out of time is allowed, we will send an application form to you and you will be required to submit the application by a nominated date in accordance with all standard application procedures.
Staff will determine when members will assess your proposal and whether or not the entire board or committee will assess it. Out-of-time applications will be assessed by at least two board or committee members, including the chair where possible.
Based on this assessment, the director will make a final decision using authority delegated by the Australia Council. Board or committee members are notified of all decisions made in this way.
Decisions on out-of-time applications normally take at least four weeks from the date the application (not the request for consideration) is received.
Out-of-time applications count as one of the two applications that individuals, groups or organisations may make each year.