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Arts Council England (ACE) have published some info about their project grant scheme opening. Here's a summary of key changes! (which will run until April 2021) https://twitter.com/ace_national/status/1284083199203835905
It says in the guidance they are particularly keen to support:
-applications from individual creative practitioners (including time to think
and plan)
• research and development activity
• organisational development activity
-applications from individual creative practitioners (including time to think
and plan)
• research and development activity
• organisational development activity
• live activity that can be safely delivered within this period (rather than activity with a start date far in the future)
• activity that closely aligns with our Equality Objectives
• activity that closely aligns with our Equality Objectives
This is a slight change from before because there was no real mention of supporting individuals specifically. Organisational development activity could include things like make your theatre company more resilient / getting someone in to help you plan for the future.
They have actually committed to make sure individuals are funded as much as organisations. They are also currently looking at ways to support individuals to write apps which they're yet to announce but a lot of relationship managers have started doing online sessions.
So keep an eye out for online webinars from your local cultural orgs!
There will also be a different approach in answering the questions, ACE seem to recognise that our activity won't be the same as it used to be. A few examples below:
There will also be a different approach in answering the questions, ACE seem to recognise that our activity won't be the same as it used to be. A few examples below:
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
"We know that public engagement, for example, is likely to involve smaller numbers of people for live activities at the moment, and/or a focus on engaging people
through digital means."
(So don't be afraid to be realistic about current engagement)
"We know that public engagement, for example, is likely to involve smaller numbers of people for live activities at the moment, and/or a focus on engaging people
through digital means."
(So don't be afraid to be realistic about current engagement)
"you might use this section to tell us how the work you’re proposing will mean you are better able to engage people with your work in the future"
(You can also talk about the future, which might enable some people to do some longer-term planning)
(You can also talk about the future, which might enable some people to do some longer-term planning)
MANAGEMENT
" If an activity involves working with the public, you will need to have a plan in place to do this as safely as possible and manage risks effectively."
(This means you should read the government COVID guidance - which we know is changing a lot)
" If an activity involves working with the public, you will need to have a plan in place to do this as safely as possible and manage risks effectively."
(This means you should read the government COVID guidance - which we know is changing a lot)
"We’ll ask everyone who is offered a grant in this period to confirm that they have an appropriate risk management plan in place"
(This means you've got a document that says "If x happens, which is risky, then we'll do y".)
(This means you've got a document that says "If x happens, which is risky, then we'll do y".)
FINANCE
"We have removed the requirement for a minimum 10 per cent match funding during this period."
This is great but it's possible that some will still help the application, in-kind support like meetings with furloughed staff (consultancy) count towards this.
"We have removed the requirement for a minimum 10 per cent match funding during this period."
This is great but it's possible that some will still help the application, in-kind support like meetings with furloughed staff (consultancy) count towards this.
If you want to get help from some furloughed staff check out the @ExchangeProjec and ask the staff member if they are happy to go down as in-kind support and what that "consultancy" would normally cost.
You can also now apply as a public library which is great news.
Turn around time will hopefully be under 6 weeks (under £15K) under 12 weeks (over £15K) so hopefully slightly quicker than before.
Turn around time will hopefully be under 6 weeks (under £15K) under 12 weeks (over £15K) so hopefully slightly quicker than before.
They have also refreshed the wording of some of the guidance so make sure you're reading the LATEST guidance. The main change is that they talk about their EQUALITY OBJECTIVES more so make sure you've read these. There's a link on the guidance document.
One of the objectives is: "Improving access to creative and cultural activities to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds." which is great for us!
The current strategy document for ACE is here: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/letscreate
This is the document that tells you what their priorities are, the document is REALLY LONG but there's a sort of summary on that link. It's always good to copy ACE language in your application.
This is the document that tells you what their priorities are, the document is REALLY LONG but there's a sort of summary on that link. It's always good to copy ACE language in your application.
The ACE phonelines are closed but you can still email them, in fact there's a question in the form that asks if you've spoken to anyone on the team so get their name if you speak to someone!
The Arts Council have also continued acccess suppoort which means ACE will pay someone to support you if you have an access requirement. The best way to organise this is to email the general email and tell them what you need, they'll put you in touch with the right person.
One of our lot @BoyAndPen is one of the @artsfundraising fellows this year and on Furlough part-time so happy to read + help within capacity. He also does access support work for disabled (usually neurodivergent / with epillepsy) applicants which ACE pay for so ask him.
