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Festivals Australia funds a range of cultural activities including dance, music, theatre, circus, parades, instrument making, visual arts and crafts. Activities supported have involved workshops, concerts, fire spectaculars, exhibitions, street parades, community theatre performances.

Elizabeth Tupper from Festivals Australia has these tips for applicants:

• One of the most important things to do is read the guidelines and understand the criteria against which your application will be assessed.
• Festivals Australia funds new and special cultural activities that haven't been done before and could not otherwise be afforded-it doesn't fund the whole festival or provide core funding.
• It's important to explain clearly how the proposed activity or project will add to existing festival activities.
• It's also important to indicate how the activity will benefit the festival, the community and the region.
• Talk to the Festivals Australia program officer before applying - if you leave enough time before the closing date, they may be able give feedback on areas you might be having difficulty with.
• For festivals with an established program of cultural activities, evidence of a long term vision and an indication of its contribution to the regional economy would help. Well established festivals should clearly demonstrate how the proposed project will add to the festival's cultural program.
• It's a good idea to include written evidence of any community support and participation.
• Make sure your budget is not confusing, poorly constructed, just doesn't add up or is not presented in the required format. Assistance-in-kind should be substantiated in the notes to the budget to give a clear indication of the value and type of that support.
• Typed applications are easier to read.

Festivals Australia aims to fund projects which stimulate cultural activity at regional and community Australian festivals. The next funding round is for projects beginning on or after 1 July 1999 and applications close on 15 February 1999. The following round closes on 15 July 1999 - for projects beginning on or after 1 January 2000. To apply you will need a copy of the guidelines and application form. There is also an information kit which provides even more tips on how to improve your application.

Contact
Department: Elizabeth Tupper, Arts Support 02 6271 1665 or 1800 891 461 (freecall), email: festivals.australia@dcita.gov.au or visit the department's website at www.dcita.gov.au

• Document ID: 11515 |
• Last modified: 5 February 2008, 6:06pm