Please note: applications for funding through the Contemporary and Live Music Development program have now closed for 2011/12.

Career Building grants are designed to assist artists to make the next step in their career and strengthen the local music industry's creative growth.

Funding is available across two streams:

1. Recordings - demos and master recordings.
2. Presentation - including CD manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion, website development and digital and social media initiatives.

Eligibility

The Career Building category accepts applications from:

• contemporary independent Victorian musicians
• Victorian based independent record labels or managers applying on behalf of Victorian artists.

Closing dates

• 5 September 2011 for projects starting on or after 1 January 2012
• 13 March 2012 for projects starting on or after 1 July 2012.

It takes approximately 15 weeks from the closing date until funding results are available.

Funds available

1. Recordings
Demo recording - up to $1,500
Master recording - up to $15,000

2. Presentation
Up to $10,000

Please note: applications for funding through the Contemporary and Live Music Development program have now closed for 2011/12. The guideline available for download below is for information only.

To apply for funding you must:

• Download and complete the Career Building guideline and application form (Sample, PDF 169KB)
• Provide artistic support material and supporting documents, including quotes for any activity you are seeking funding for.

For your application to be eligible:

• you must include a balanced budget
• you must contribute at least 25% of the total cost of the project
• your project must take place on or after 1 January 2012 for the September round and 1 July 2012 for the March 2012 round

Recordings
If you are applying through the Recording stream, you can apply for either a demo or master recording, but not both. Recordings projects must contain at least 75% Australian compositions.

Artistic support material and supporting documents

• You must supply demos of the new material you wish to record.
• If relevant, provide a sample of previous recordings - preferably on the same CD as demos.
• Confirmation letters may typically be sought from record label/distributor, session musician or other service provider.
• Letters of support may come from a mentor or music industry professional.
• You may include web links to examples of media exposure or promotional activity.

Applications through either stream of the Career Building funding category will be assessed and prioritised according to the following criteria:

• The quality of the musical idea, lyrics, musicianship and vocal performance (if relevant)
• Highlights of the project and potential for career progression and audience development
• Quality of the project strategy, including evidence of how it will be delivered
• Provision of a credible and realistic Budget with appropriate support material.

Priority is given to projects that demonstrate a likely career progression as a result of this activity.

Applications go through a standard assessment processAssessment ProcessAll eligible applications are reviewed by a Peer Assessment Panel (except for programs that attract a high volume of applications, where Arts Victoria staff may suggest a shortlist). The Panel’s recommendations are presented to the Minister for the Arts to make the final decisions. Applicants are notified in writing and can seek feedback by speaking to program staff. , including review and evaluation by a peer assessment panelPeer Assessment PanelsPeer Assessment Panels are a standard method used by Arts Victoria to assess funding applications and make recommendations for approval by the Minister for the Arts. Each Panel comprises representatives from across the arts industry and other relevant areas..

As a recipient of Arts Victoria funding, you are required to:

• Notify Arts Victoria of any changes to your proposed project
• Publicly acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government using specific logos and text
• Acquit your grant by completing a written report on the outcomes of your funded project.

Logos and Text Acknowledgement

Logos

The Arts Victoria logo deviceArts Victoria Logo DeviceThe Arts Victoria logo device is made up of two elements:1. The Arts Victoria logo and 2. The Victorian Government logoThe Arts Victoria logo must always appear with the Victorian Government logo. must be included on all promotional materials produced by the grant recipient in relation to the funded activity.

These may include (but are not restricted to):

• Posters, fliers and brochures
• Advertisements
• Invitations
• Information and education kits
• Signage
• Programs and catalogues
• Websites.

The size and position of the logo should be commensurate with the level of funding provided by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria in relation to other supporters.

The Arts Victoria logo device is available in a variety of formats, please take note of the guidelines for its use.

Text Acknowledgement

The following text/verbal acknowledgement of Victorian Government support should be used in any speeches, media releases, interviews and other circumstances where a logo may not be possible:
[This project is] supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria

Acquittal Reports

When your funded activity is completed, you must provide Arts Victoria with an acquittal reportAcquittal ReportA written evaluation of the funded activity and a statement that fully accounts for the expenditure of funds provided. .

Failure to satisfactorily acquit funding will make you ineligible for future Arts Victoria funding and may result in action to recover the grant.

Contemporary and Live Music Development (for grants funded after 1 July 2011)

To acquit your Contemporary and Live Music Develoment grant, please download and complete both the standard Arts Victoria Acquittal Report Template (Word, 276KB) and the Career Building Extra Questions form (Word, 115KB)

Victoria Rocks (for grants funded before 1 July 2011)

To acquit a Victoria Rocks grant, download the Victoria Rocks - Music Career Building acquittal form (Word, 719KB)

Further information about the program can be obtained from musicgrants@dpc.vic.gov.au or by contacting:

Jonathan Williamson

T: 03 8683 3140
jonathan.williamson@dpc.vic.gov.au

Lis Shanahan

T. 03 8683 3135
lis.shanahan@dpc.vic.gov.au

Ryan Mason

T. 03 8683 3105
ryan.mason@dpc.vic.gov.au