Artsbridge (October 2022)

The peers discussed the overall quality of the applications to the October 2022 round of Artsbridge and made the following comments:

• Applications to all of Arts Tasmania’s programs are assessed by multi-artform panels of artists from diverse backgrounds.
• Applicants should:
  • include a clear and direct summary of the project at the start of the application
  • write in Plain English and to avoid artform specific language (and avoid writing in an academic way)
  • use headings and dot points
  • clearly explain the possible benefits and outcomes (for the artists, audiences, or the community) including those that might take place after they get back from their trip
  • include a clear and realistic timeline to give the peers confidence that the proposed activities can be achieved
  • include evidence of any confirmed partnerships or other kinds of in-kind or financial support for the project
  • explain the timeliness of the proposed activity (why this, why now?)
  • include a clear and detailed budget that shows how figures were calculated
  • include relevant letters of support that speak to the assessment criteria
• Applications with budgets that included appropriate artist wages and fees in line with industry rates were more likely to be supported by the peers.
• Budgets should also include detail on how the travel costs were calculated, including when they were estimated and how, to speak to planning.
• Applicants need to be clear about the type of travel (within Tasmania, within Australia, or overseas) that they are applying for.
  • If the activity includes more than one trip, be clear about which on the funding will support.
  • Applicants don’t need to go in to detail around any parts of the trips that are not related to their artistic practice (catching up with friends or family) as this can detract from the focus of the application.
• Applications relating to larger, long-term projects should clearly explain which part would be funded through this application.
• The guidelines for Arts Tasmania’s programs can change.
  • The peers strongly encouraged applicants to read the program guidelines closely each time they apply.
  • Applicants were also encouraged to speak to Arts Tasmania staff before applying to make sure that this is the best program for their activity.
• Support material should be:
  • carefully curated to show your best work (or most relevant work) (links to general sites like homepages are discouraged as peers may not find the works you want them to)
  • clearly and professional labelled
  • accessible to all peers (without memberships to websites or social media required)
• Applicants should include passwords if any material is protected.

• Ann Teesdale
• Anna Hume
• Ben Winspear
• Caine Chennatt
• Harry Edwards
• Megan Dick
• Michelle Maynard
• Nathan Tucker
• Raymond Arnold
• Sinsa Mansell
• Warren Mason