Arts funding explained  

Arts and culture groups can now find out more details about what grants they can apply for.

Trustline, June 2010

After a recent review of funding policy for the sector, the Trust’s website explains how Arts & Culture grants now fall into three broad areas: general support; community arts funding and minor building projects.

In assessing all applications we will be looking for evidence that the project will help people access, engage with and experience the arts. We ask applicants to show us that the community needs the project. We’ll also want to know what other funding you have in place.

Under general support funding, grants are made for operating costs, equipment, websites and IT requirements, as well as project costs.

Community arts funding  makes grants of up to $10,000 available for organisations that are encouraging arts access, engagement and experience. Grants can help with community arts festivals and arts projects, equipment and materials, venue hire, exhibitions and performance costs.

The third area of funding is for minor building projects, where up to $50,000 is available for community arts organisations trying to improve access, engagement and experience of the arts. Grants can be for building maintenance and upgrades, or modifications for health and safety reasons. Groups can apply for minor building project grants once every three years.

Any building applications for $50,000 or more are considered under the Trust’s Community Building Projects fund. This is a separate year-long process which begins with an expression of interest on February 1 each year.  

For the Arts & Culture applications there are two closing dates a year: April 1 and August 1 and applicants are told the results three months later.