The ACT government simplifies rules to gain arts funding

The ACT government has made it easier for artists and musicians to apply for over a million dollars in arts grants funding is available over the next year.

Artists can now submit for funding up to $5,000 at any time of the year, giving them access to support for their arts practice when they need it.

Funding of up to $50,000 is available twice a year, and if they are unsuccessful in the first round, they can apply again in six months, instead of waiting a whole year.

The total available budget for 2018-19 for what will now be called Arts Activities Funding is $775,000.

The ACT government also has $325,000 available as a one-off funding round for Community Outreach arts projects, as a result of underspends in this funding category.

The aim of this funding is to increase participation in and access to the arts and promote collaboration between organisations, artists and the community.

The government is also calling for more artists to be part of the peer assessment process.

This is for music as well as across all art forms including dance, circus, literature, theatre and visual arts and crafts.

The ACT government will further support the arts sector by hosting workshops and one-on-one sessions via artsACT to help improve grant application and planning processes.

All funding rounds, including nominations for ACT Book of the Year, open on June 1.

The ACT Book of the Year recognises excellence in literature, and is valued at $10,000 for the winner, $2,000 for any highly commended book, and $1,000 for each shortlisted book.

More info at https://www.arts.act.gov.au.