Backing the Arts
Applications are now open for Arts NT’s Arts and Culture Grants Program, a variety of grants up for grabs destined for projects that explore, develop and profile the diverse and flourishing arts culture of the Northern Territory.
By Kate Conway
There are three categories – Activating Arts, Career Development and Arts Projects open to individuals, groups or organisations – offering up to $20,000. From writing, visual arts and crafts, to dance, theatre and music, the grants provide the opportunity for creatives to apply the funds in their area of skill.
No stranger to applying for grants, Frankie Snowdon, Co-Artistic Director of GUTS Dance Central Australia, says the benefits of applying for funding reaches beyond receiving a monetary boost.
“The more people applying shows there’s demand, and that there are artists working that need to be paid. It creates a better case for government and our arts bodies to support the work that’s happening,” she says.
Recipients of an Arts NT grant, GUTS Dance spent the dough on valuable collaboration time for upcoming experimental, post-apocalyptic dance performance, SUB.
“The money allowed us to spend three weeks full-time in our studio, with our collaborators, to have some targeted time to flesh out and develop ideas for the work, and to start work on the choreographic content and the shape of the show. The grant was definitely very important in making that particular phase of the work happen,” says Snowden.
While the formal nature of applying for a grant may seem daunting for emerging artists or first time applicants, Snowden has a great tip for anyone new to the process.
“I would really encourage anybody who is thinking of applying to reach out to some organisations who have done it before. We’re always happy to talk to people, especially in the dance and performance sector, that might need a bit of guidance with their applications because we have done so many of them now,” Snowden laughs.
If you have a creative project, vision or dream that needs a little help to get off the ground, contact an Arts Development Officer at Arts NT to discuss eligibility and seek advice today.
WHEN WED 31 MAY, 2023 | APPLICATIONS CLOSE
INFO arts.office@nt.gov.au | nt.gov.au
Photots: Ivan Trigo MIras
