For many artist, writing an application proposal for a grant, residency, seminar or workshop can seem overwhelming. Simply figuring out which particular program to apply to that fits your practice can be complicated and explaining your ideas clearly on an application form isn’t always easy.
There are several factors to keep in mind as you select a program to apply for, specifically your choice will be influenced by your artistic practice, the nature of the project you wish to undertake and your level of experience.
Before you start writing, you will want to spend some quality time studying the program description and guidelines specific to the program you are applying to. Though this may not sound like the most exciting way to spend your time, it is the best way to avoid wasting your resources and emotional energy on a program that does not fit your project idea.
You may already have a well-developed idea of your project in your head, but you will likely need time to translate your vision into words on a page. It is helpful to breakdown the elements involved in your project in order to help you with with the writing process and create a clearer picture. Here are some questions to respond to that will better expant and create a picture for your proposal application;
your responses to these questions on the next page of this handbook.
- What artistic medium is the main focus your project?
- What is your level of experience working in this artistic medium?
- What would you like to have completed at the end of this project?
- What is the main focus of your project?
- Does your project idea fit into any categories such as; the exchange of knowledge, the production of new work, the development of new skills, the exhibition or production of previously completed work, etc.?
- Does your project involve other artists such as a mentor, collaborator, etc.?
- What makes this project important to you, your community and/or your culture?
