WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR APPLICATION?
Overview
The Arts Council considers all applications, makes decisions and communicates these to applicants in accordance with set procedures. The aim is to ensure that the system for making awards is fair and transparent.
The process
All applications received are processed as follows:
- application acknowledged;
- adviser(s) and/or staff make written assessment;
- adviser(s) and/or staff recommends as shortlisted or not shortlisted;
- peer panel reviews all applications and makes recommendation;
- chair of peer panel (Council member) signs off on peer panel recommendations;
- decision communicated in writing.
What criteria are applications assessed against?
Applications are assessed in a competitive context and with consideration of the available resources. All applications are assessed against the following criteria:
- Artistic Merit
- Meeting the objectives and priorities of the award
- Feasibility
1. Artistic merit
An assessment on artistic merit would focus on the artist’s previous practice as well as the nature of the proposed activity and might include, amongst other things, consideration of:
- the practice of the artist demonstrated through the support materials submitted;
- the track record of the artist demonstrated through the CV submitted;
- the proposed arts activity as outlined on the application form;
- the artform/arts practice context in which the activity is proposed;
- the ambition, originality and competency demonstrated by the artist.
2. Meeting objectives and priorities of award
An assessment under this criteria would focus on the benefit and strategic significance of the proposed activity in relation to the stated objectives and priorities of the award. For example, this might include amongst other things, consideration of the extent to which the artist’s practice might benefit and be developed as a result of the proposed activity or the extent to which particular identified priorities are addressed.
3. Feasibility
An assessment on feasibility would consider the extent to which the applicant demonstrates capacity to deliver the proposed activity. This might include but not be limited to consideration of:
- the proposed timetable or schedule;
- the availability of other supports / partners identified in the application.
Peer panels
The purpose of peer panel meetings is to allow for a diversity of expert views to inform the decision-making process. Peer panels normally comprise at least three external adjudicators with relevant artform and/or arts practice expertise. Each meeting is led by an Arts Council member acting as non-voting chair. Arts Council advisers and staff attend as required, and those involved in the initial assessment of applications are on hand to provide information. All those attending receive information in advance of the meeting about all applications (including those where short listing is not recommended). Panel members have full access to application forms and supporting material on the day of the assessment. The peer panel has the opportunity to add or remove applications to/from the shortlist.
Timeframes
The Arts Council endeavours to assess applications as quickly as possible, but the volume of applications and the rigorous assessment process mean that in some cases it can take approximately 14 weeks from closing date to decision.
What happens if you receive an award?
A letter of offer will be sent to you detailing the amount of funding, and the terms and conditions of the award. You will also be informed of the process by which your award should be drawn down. You will be asked to write formally to the Arts Council to accept the award.
What happens if you do not receive an award?
You will be informed in writing if your application is not successful. Unfortunately, eligibility and compliance with application procedures alone do not guarantee receipt of an award. Because of the large volume of applications, demand for funding always exceeds the available resources. If your application is not successful you can seek feedback from Arts Council staff.
Appeals and complaints
If you feel that the Arts Council's procedures have not been followed, check the Appeals and Complaints Procedure, or contact the Arts Council for a copy of the Appeals and Complaints information sheet.
Am I able to re-apply?
Unsuccessful applicants may only re-apply where they have made significant changes to their application that make a clearer case for support through the award. Successful applicants may apply for a bursary award in consecutive years but their application must demonstrate a clear progression that builds on the outcomes of the work for which they were previously awarded. Only in exceptional circumstances will a Bursary be awarded to the same artist in successive rounds.