Week 10: Money 13/05/2013

This week's lecture was presented by Kit Messham-Muir on ways artists can get money such as through residencies, scholarships and grants.

When graduating from university the thing most students miss are the social aspects, peer support as well as the studio space.  Therefor it is important to consider your options and think about what you are planning to do within the next two years as well as think of your art practice as a whole.

Residencies:

When visiting these websites it is important to look up the artists who have previously been accepted into these residencies so that you can see what type of works these organizations are interested in.

ArtSpace - is an organisation in Sydney, which is a hub for smaller art organizations and communities.  Artists are able to apply for a residency there from 3 months to a year for about $300 a week (which is pretty cheap considering that it's in the city).

Asialink -  Allows artists to take up residences throughout Asia and they have different opportunities for artists depending on their practice.  They will give about $12 000 for travel and living expenses.

Australian Council - They offer different options for 'early career artists', which is about 5 years out of art school, meaning that you don't have to compete with other already established artists. They can offer up to $35 000 for up to 6 months.

Art Gallery of NSW - Despite being an art gallery, the Art Gallery of NSW offers grants and scholarships for artist to study overseas in places such as Paris.  In fact lots of places offer grants you just have to know where to look.

Applying for residencies, scholarships and grants it is important to remember that they are a strenuous and take a lot of time to prepare for.  For example 1 and 1/2 years in advanced.  It may be hard at first, but keep trying again and again.  The admissions people will remember you from before and notice you and how much you've improved.  

After you've been approved you have to keep records on how you've spent the money, so they know you didn't spend it all on rubbish and used the time as a holiday.  They also appreciate it when you give back to the community and show the work you created.

The good news is, after receiving a few grants, other organizations will feel better about giving you money.  Think of it this way, grant giving is an investment.  So if people see that other people trust you, then they will trust you as well.

Scholarships:

If you peruse a Honors or Masters after you graduate you can apply for the Australian post grad research award, which is about $24 000, which is about $944/ 2 weeks (tax free).  You can also transfer to another university to complete your studies.

Samstag - They choose about 5-6 people per year and award them about $43 000 USD to study overseas. To be electable for it, you have to already graduated and prepare a plan on what project you're going to do overseas.

NAVA Freedman Foundation Traveling Scholarship -  You must be 30 years or younger and be an emerging artist to apply.

Grant writing is a skill, and like everything takes practice to perfect.  Here are a few points to keep in mind when writing one:

Title:
Aim:
Objectives:
Background:
The Proposed Project:
Budgetary Considerations: