Please note: applications for funding through the International program have now closed for 2011/12.

This category is focused on building international artistic relationships and networks for Victorian artists and arts organisations.

It supports collaborative and cross-cultural projects involving Victorian artists or arts organisations and their international counterparts.

This may include co-curated or reciprocal exhibitions, performances, exchanges and residencies.

Priority is given to activity in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as markets where there are existing arts sector links and broader Government trade and investment interests.International Program Priority MarketsCurrent Government priorities include: Japan, India, North America, China, Singapore and Scotland.

Eligibility

The program accepts applications from:

• Individual professional artistsProfessional artistA professional artist...Has specialist training in their field (not necessarily in academic institutions).Is recognised by their peers (professional practitioners working in the art form area).Is committed to devoting significant time to the artistic activity.Has a history of professional public presentation.
• Professional arts ensembles and organisationsProfessional Arts OrganisationsLegally constituted entities in Victoria with a track record of management and professional arts program delivery. based in Victoria

Funding is directed to outbound travel-related costs for Victorian artists, such as airfares and freight.

Please note: There are a number of activities not funded through the International program. This includes overseas study, training and conference activity. Please refer to the International program guidelines (available in the How to Apply section) under 'What Will Not Be Funded' for further reference.

Closing Dates

• 15 September 2011 for projects starting on or after 1 December 2011
• 15 March 2012 for projects starting on or after 1 June 2012

Funds Available

In 2008-09, the International program received 79 applications across the two categories, with funding requests totalling $1,149,121. A total of $504,042 was granted to 39 projects - a 43% success rate. Grants ranged from $3,500 to $40,000.

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

To apply for funding you must:

• Complete the application form which includes a budget. Download the International program guideline and application form (Sample, PDF 129KB)
• Submit a written proposal (see below)
• Provide artistic support material relevant to your project (eg DVD, video, photos, manuscript excerpt, CD)
• Provide supporting documents (eg letters of support or interest in presenting/exhibiting the work created, reviews, letters of confirmation from artists involved)

We strongly recommended that you discuss your written proposal with the International Program Manager before submitting an application.

Written Proposal

This is the main part of your application and must clearly address the following criteria:

General Description

• The artistic goals or concept of the project.
• The key personnel involved in the project (ie artistic, technical etc).
• CVs of key participants, including letters of support and/or the names and contact details of at least two current referees.
• Detailed tour or project schedule/itinerary with dates and venues confirmed.

Management Plan

Demonstrate the financial and managerial viability of the project, including:

• Financial management skills and project management experience.
• Intended markets and how the project will reach its audience (ie publicity and marketing strategies).
• Demonstrated evidence of a long-term strategic approach to international activity.

Outcomes

Cover the intended outcomes of the project, including both qualitative and quantitative criteria you will use to assess its effectiveness. Performance indicators could include:

• Future engagements
• International skills (eg marketing, cross-cultural, tour management)
• Profile (eg audience numbers and media coverage)
• Export earnings
• International networks

The written proposal should be typed on a maximum of six A4 pages.

Applications are competitively assessed and prioritised according to the following criteria:

• Artistic Merit - the calibre and professionalProfessional artistA professional artist...Has specialist training in their field (not necessarily in academic institutions).Is recognised by their peers (professional practitioners working in the art form area).Is committed to devoting significant time to the artistic activity.Has a history of professional public presentation. track record of the artist/s; proposals that demonstrate excellence and innovation in their approach.
• International Context - ability of the proposal to achieve a significant international profile and strategies to support this.
• Financial and Managerial Viability - a demonstrated capacity to succeed; other confirmed funding partners and sources, including generated income.

Applications go through a standard assessment process,Assessment 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..

The current panel members are:

• Lee Cumberlidge - Co-Director, Insite Arts
• Geraldine Barlow - Senior Curator, Monash University Museum of Art
• Kelly Gellatly - Curator, Contemporary Art, National Gallery of Victoria
• Robina Burton - Associate Producer, Hit Productions

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. within 90 days.

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

For grants awarded before 1 July 2011, please download and complete the International Acquittal Report Template (Word, 564 KB)

For grants awarded after 1 July 2011, please download and complete both the standard Arts Victoria Acquittal Report Template (Word, 276KB) and the International Extra Questions form (Word, 88KB)

Further information about the program can be obtained from:

Amanda Browne

T: +61 (0)3 8683 3139
amanda.browne@dpc.vic.gov.au