Applications for the next batch of ArtStart grants are now open for recent creative art graduates to help fund their new arts business – and launch their artistic career.
The grants – dubbed as ‘career fertiliser’ – gives artists who have graduated from an accredited artist-?training scheme within the last three years up to $10,000 to help their transition from studying to a professional arts career.
The latest crop of 100 budding artists who commence their ArtStart year this month are from a broad spectrum of artforms including theatre directors, circus performers, writers, dancers and flautists amongst others. “People generally think of applying for Australia Council grants to fund individual artworks or one-? off shows,” says Kath Melbourne, the Australia Council’s Program Director of ArtStart.
“But ArtStart has a different approach. We focus here on helping the artist bring together the tools, training and resources that will build career foundations so that they can go on producing their amazing work for years to come.”
Every ArtStart grant is tailor-?made by the individual artist identifying the key elements needed to build their career. This could be getting someone to help with a business plan, setting up a website, training in writing grant applications, attending industry events, mentorship fees, or a combination of any of these things and more.
“ArtStart grants support smart, articulate and creative strategies from entrepreneurial emerging artists,” says Kath.
“It’s about looking at what’s going to help individual artists go from where they are now to where they want to be in their career.”
Applications for round one in 2011 close Wednesday MARCH 2.
Go to the new ArtStart website www.artstartgrant.com.au and take the ArtStart quiz to see if it might be for you, plus get tips from previous ArtStarters to help you write the best submission possible.
