“15M FOR THE ARTS”, they scream. “SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS” they cry. The media doesn’t report with a critical eye. They print what they’re given - because it has all the hallmarks of a “good news story”.
When I receive the notifications, I hungrily drill down into the detail - pick out the bits that might apply, check the web links (always the announcement is made before the website is updated), look for the support that might mean something to our 12 yo company, and employment for our artists/musicians.
With a lifetime habit of hopefulness, I ignore the rising sense of distress about spending another two days (at least) of what should be artistic, creative, productive time on a grant application designed to be difficult - designed to put off small companies without operational resources. And, if 1 out of 10 applications happen to be successful, the grant rarely covers any ‘normal’ recompense of time spent in the cycle of apply, communicate, contract, get approval for logo placement and associated creative rationale, change any perceived ‘critical’ program note, report and acquit.
In the latest Victorian government announcement, it’s pretty clear that the support is for those bigger companies that have the capacity to lobby - to use their might, not for the greater good of the fabric of what used to be called “the creative capital”, but to fight for their own survival - they already get to keep their overheads and administrative machines enabled by multi-year operational funding agreements, which are not available for SMEs.
Drilling down shows that 15M is nowhere near enough. If the government really wants to help, they could stop with grant applications. If State and Federal governments can keep putting money directly into accounts on the basis of COVID-19, without tender or recurring applications, then surely arts grant applications can stop too.
The department could take a look at the arts companies that have been in operation - regardless of size - continuously for the last ten years. Go back to their 2018/2019 income. Give every company 10% of that year’s turnover. That would be something to get excited about because it would give rise to artistic choices.
“Mr. Pearson said the changes would apply to large groups such as the Melbourne Theatre Company and the Australian Ballet.
“It’s about allowing them to get back to doing what they do best,” he said”.
An SME has to apply for max. $10K grant - but the website isn’t updated yet. There are grants for region-based organisations (up to $15k) and disability-led/access-focused organisations. In the early 1990s, when working with Barrie Kosky, he and I were applying for $10k grants. In real terms today, that is $21,000. Is it sensible and rational to contemplate another 10-12 page application for ½ the support?
Recycle the grant material people say. (Each project is different). Use the application you did last time, they say. (The questions/criterion have changed and the project is different). Isn’t it great about government support for the arts, they say?
A Media Release grants a government a lot of goodwill. No wonder there are so many announcements.