Indigenous arts workers’ grants close 15 July 07

Despite the huge media focus on Aboriginal communities, paternalism, land rights etc, life goes on and grant info is important. Janet Ross-Kelly, Business Development Officer for Advanced Indigenous Business tells us that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Arts (ATSIA) Indigenous Arts Worker’s Program grants from ‘ozco’ (Australia Council for the Arts) are open till 15 July 2007. This category will provide funding for either the employment of an Indigenous arts worker and a program of activity or an Indigenous arts worker only.

Application forms are NOT available from the ozco website

Please contact Chris Bonney c.bonney@ozco.gov.au if you wish to apply or phone (02) 9215 9065)

Please note the following application options:

1) An Indigenous arts worker’s salary for up to three years with a sunset clause on the funding as follows:

• First year, 100 per cent
• Second year, 75 per cent
• Third year, 50 per cent

2) A program of activity associated with the employment of the Indigenous arts worker for up to 50 per cent of total costs.

Applicants must demonstrate that they can obtain the other 50 per cent from other funding sources.

To demonstrate your eligibility you must also provide:

• a current copy of your organisation’s certificate of incorporation or legal status
• a complete copy of your organisation’s most recent signed audited accounts and statutory reports. For smaller organisations, where audited accounts are not a legal requirement, the most recent financial statement should be certified by an independent accountant in public practice.

This information must be sent with your application by the closing date or your application will be ineligible.

What are the selection criteria?

Applications must demonstrate:

• a detailed annual program that demonstrates the long-term benefits for the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts in their community
• an organisational structure that demonstrates Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander control and participation in the planning, decision-making, management and activity of the organisation
• a high level of achievement in the development and management of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander arts projects
• effective management of finances and administration, including a well-developed plan covering the entire grant period, which incorporates strategies for accessing new sources of income

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations must demonstrate:

• clear evidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement and contribution throughout the project
• the artistic merit and innovation of the project
• long-term professional development benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, organisations and relevant communities involved in the project
• support for the project from relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and individuals
• sound financial and project management, with evidence of thorough planning, adequate resources and support.

What should you submit?

You must submit evidence of your eligibility and the required support material in addition to the application form.

Closing date: 15 July 2007

Decisions advised: November 2007

Projects may start: 1 December 2007