SoundOut weekly digest | 26-31 October 2009
SoundOut | A Conversation About Funding: The third and final weekly digest of contributions made to the SoundOut forum between the arts community and ASB Community Trust.
The ASB Community Trust called for comments and examples on the following topics.
Topic One | Funding models and innovative funders
Topic Two | Current issues and challenges
Topic Three | In for the long haul - a future-picture for the arts
TOPIC ONE | Funding models and innovative funders
Accessing funds for individual artists was one of the issues raised, and the suggestion of organisations providing an ‘umbrella’ for individual applications was discussed further.
Suggestion/Example: Simon Gray commented that ‘piggy-backing’ with another group takes time and often the time frame for getting applications completed is too short.
ASBCT response: What if an organisation could submit several applications for individuals/co-ops at any time during the year, as long as the applications were for grants of up to, say $10,000 max? The applications could get a quicker response than the larger applications for the two main funding rounds. Would this help?
TOPIC TWO | Current issues and challenges
A low level of investment for talent and innovation was raised as an issue. Those with the ability to support development should have the experience, knowledge, belief and courage to making inspiring investment decisions.
Suggestion/examples: Richard Howard said the level of investment in the plethora of talented people and innovation is woefully and wasteful.
“Those who hold the purse strings and the capacity to support development very often simply do not have the experience or knowledge or belief (let alone the courage) to make inspiring investment decisions that will unleash the creative potential of the country.”
Suggestion/examples: Richard Howard pointed out other challenges including the lack of skilled and knowledgeable arts and cultural sector commentators, educators and writers. Creative people do not tend to prepare sufficiently for careers or realise the need for good basic business skills. Psychological and physical isolation in work practices erodes the practitioner’s capacity to work and function effectively.
TOPIC THREE | In for the long haul – a future picture for the arts
What do you see in 2020?
Bridget liked Mike Chunn’s vision of a community of arts practitioners.
“As we practise art in community we are community. And that is what it means to be human.”
Bridget said what we need now more than ever is imagination and creativity. Business needs it, health needs it, designers and planners need it.
“I see a future rich with community centres where art (every form of it) is taught, learnt, practised, celebrated and seen as an integral part of daily life. Community centres that hum with activity, where the established mix with the emerging and everyone's practice is encouraged.” Read the full vision
What would you do if you had $1m for the Northland and Auckland arts sector?
Richard Howard would focus on developing more cost effective production processes in the arts and cultural sector. He would also like to see consistent investment during the next 10 years in schemes that foster and make networking and collaborations practical, easier and common practice as a means to survive and thrive. Read the full idea.
Graeme Bennett would establish alternative funding solutions for the performing arts ensuring a sustainable future by developing a Venture Capital Fund to commit individuals and corporates to invest in the fund.
Sandi Morrison would spend it on a programme to fund community based residencies for artists of any discipline in association with a community organisation.
“The projects would be designed to add a creative dimension, process or artwork to enhance the community organisation's objectives, communication systems, premises ....the opportunities are limitless.”
Sandi Morrison would spend another million on an internship programme for creative practitioners working in any part of the arts and cultural sector. Organisations would be able to apply to provide the internship for 6 - 12 months. Priority would be given to areas where there is a gap in the job training and professional development opportunities.
Simon Gray would put in place a programme of artist residencies to coincide with the 2011 Rugby World Cup, to piggy-back on the interest and media coverage.
“What better way to catch their attention than a group of ballet dancers scrum down on the rugby field and a year-long musical residency finishes with the combined choirs of Northland singing at a Rugby World Cup match.”
ASBCT Response: A lot of common themes of residencies, internships and mentoring have been coming out in our consultation in the real world too.
“I'm looking forward to seeing where we can go with these ideas, and have really enjoyed your sharing of thoughts and inspiration,” said Arts Grants Advisor Catherine George.
SoundOut Forum | A Conversation About Funding
The ASB Community Trust asked for ideas about its long-term funding policy to help the arts develop, thrive and grow in Auckland and Northland.
The Trust is reviewing its arts funding policy to make sure it is meeting its objective of "supporting creative projects and organisations that aim to foster access, engagement and experience in the arts".
In an innovative first for the Trust, it used The Big Idea’s SoundOut forum to connect, listen and respond to ideas from the arts community. Find out more.
