Grant Writing for Individual Artists & Arts Groups: Q&A with Katrina Rice of ArtsNL
If you’re a professional artist, chances are you’ve had to submit a grant application at one time or another. For some, this process may be a familiar one but for others, perhaps not so much. But once you get a good grasp of the essentials (including a clear project proposal, budget and support materials), you can submit your application with confidence.
Katrina Rice of ArtsNL
On February 19 at Signal Hill Campus, Katrina Rice, Program Officer at ArtsNL, will lead a free grant writing workshop for individual artists and arts groups, focussing on ArtsNL’s Professional Project Grants Program. This program supports the creation and/or presentation of works of art in dance, film, music, multidisciplinary arts, theatre, visual arts or writing and is available to individual artists, collaborations of artists, as well as arts groups.
We caught up with Katrina recently to get a few tips in advance of her session.
Business & Arts NL: Is there anything that makes a grant application stand head and shoulders above the rest? What can artists do to increase their chances of success?
Katrina Rice: Unfortunately, there isn’t a formula to write a grant application that is a guarantee to funding. However, there are good practices to creating a grant application. Before applying for an arts grant ask yourself questions such as: What will I do? Where will I create it? Where will it show or be presented? When will the creation happen? When will it be seen? How will I create the work? Why is the project important to my artistic growth and development? How does the project connect to, depart or build on my past work? Why is this project important to my artistic career now? Once you can answer questions like that, you can probably present a clear idea of what you are intending on creating.
Business & Arts NL: What are some common mistakes you have seen in the past with regards to grant applications/the submission of them?
KR: Sometimes an application can seem rushed, so I usually advise applicants to start early. A month or more is needed to develop all the aspects of an application. Also, be clear in the project description and use support material that is in direct support of the proposed project.
Business & Arts NL: For those who may feel overwhelmed by the application process (especially those applying for the first time), any words of wisdom you can share with them?
KR: Break up the application process, take your time, and seek out help. When it comes to initially writing a project description, you might use a prompt question and write for 10 minutes. This allows you to get your thoughts onto paper, or have another strategy to get your initial ideas and thoughts onto paper. This will give you points to build your first draft. When writing a budget, start writing a list of expenses and write down everything you will need, and get price quotes when possible rather than guessing at amounts. Read the application before starting to complete the application form and always call ArtsNL with any questions. We are happy to answer any questions to help with the process.
Workshop: Grant Writing For Individual Artists & Arts Groups
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 19 from 1-3pm
Location: Room B1004, Emera Innovation Exchange, Signal Hill Campus
Price: Free
Registration: Click here