The Australia Council for the Arts is accepting applications from artists, designers and artworkers for their ArtStart grants program. The program provides financial assistance to recent creative arts graduates who are committed to established a career as a professional artist.

Graduates who plan to earn income or gain income as a professional artist in the visual arts, hybrid and media arts, performing arts, literature or in community arts and cultural development may apply.

Grants are provided to fund services, resources and activities that help graduate artists to build an income-generating career in the arts practice they have studied. ArtStart does not fund the creation of new creative works or support the development of one off performances or exhibitions.

Individual artists from all art forms may apply for a grant up to $10,000. An artist can receive only one ArtStart grant in their career.

You are eligible to apply for ArtStart in 2010 if you have completed the last subject needed for your qualification in 2007, 2008, 2009 or 2010. If you completed the last subject needed for your qualification in 2006, but graduated in 2007 you are not eligible to apply.

ArtStart grants are not intended to cover the living expenses of the recipient artist. The grants should be used specifically for costs associated with establishing a business or professional practice as an artist.

The Australia Council has developed the following list of potential activities, services or goods that they think many artists might consider important. However the list is not definitive and if you can think of other activities not listed you can include them.

Business skills and costs
– Business planning advice and training
– Getting an accountant or financial adviser and understanding book-keeping, taxation
– Budgeting and financial management
– Business set up costs
– Legal advice: facts and issues for artists such as rights and contracts/agreements
– Support services for small to medium enterprises
– Advice on employing and working with other people
– Advice on partnerships development and management
– Training in negotiation and conflict resolution
– Advice on establishing social ventures

Training and skills development
– Develop knowledge in Indigenous cultural protocols
– Occupational health & safety training
– Develop skills for planning a tour
– Private coaching or courses to maintain skills (e.g., acting, voice)
– Computer software courses
– Training to help with writing grant applications
– Training for developing and writing proposals and business plans
– Help finding a mentor and developing a mentorship agreement
– Attachments or internships with arts organisations and companies

Office, space and equipment/tools
– Studio space hire
– Rehearsal room hire
– Purchase and hire of specialist equipment
– Setting up an artist-run initiative
– Setting up a studio
– Purchase of computers or software
– Office rental
– Office set up costs
– Meeting room hire

Marketing and promotion
– Marketing skills training
– Professional recording of performances
– Creating/publishing a portfolio of work
– Professional CVs
– Website set up and maintenance
– Marketing and promotion – expertise and assistance
– Photographer to take headshots
– Produce a showreel or a recording
– Hire a producer
– Training in public speaking/talking about your work
– Services associated with documenting your work
– Training and set-up of online social marketing and networking tools
– Travel to auditions, agents or galleries in other states
– Attendance at professional networking events, industry meetings or conferences

ArtStart grants do not fund the purchase of major items of capital expenditure. The grants may be used to cover smaller items of equipment but this expenditure must not be more than 50% of the grant.

Applications are due 8 March 2010.

For more information and to apply visit here.

Tags: Grants - Australia - National

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