The 10 things I learned from my latest grant application

In 2023 I curated an exhibition of artwork by 33 Visual Artists who participated in the Going Deeper Online Writing Program in 2020. The exhibition explored the relationship between writing and visual art making and was held at The Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub in Melbourne. I applied for a Banyule Arts and Culture Grant to support this project.

These are the 10 biggest things I learned (and relearned) through the application process.

 
1. Timing is rarely perfect.
I was encouraged to apply for this grant by Banyule’s Art Curator. To be honest, I had a lot on my plate and the last thing I wanted to do was a complex grant application. However, I knew the project and the artists deserved this support and the opportunity wasn’t going to come along again. We will rarely, if ever, have 1-2 months free, to undertake a grant application slowly and meticulously with serene patience and wisdom. It will need to be squeezed in around a myriad of other things. Don’t let the perceived absence of time and space stop you. Make the time, create the space.
 

2. Two feet in or don’t do it.
If I don’t 100% believe in my idea and know its value, it’s going to come across half cooked and not stand a chance. If I am going to spend the time, not only applying for the grant, but fulfilling the grant (if successful) I better bloody well be in love with the project and the people I am working with.
 

3. These things take time.
‘Obviously Amy’, I hear you say. I cannot stress this enough. The superstar artist that can write a superb grant application in one sitting is a rare beast. Getting clear takes time. Leaving things and coming back in the fresh light of a new day takes time. Writing widely and then editing takes time. Sourcing multiple quotes for a budget takes time. Securing references takes time. I think you get my drift.
 

4. Always make contact, don’t forget this, Amy!
In the case of this grant, it was a compulsory requirement to speak with the Arts Officer to discuss my project idea. I have neglected this in the past. ‘I should know it all. I don’t want to bother them. What if I say my idea out loud and it isn’t really that good. Best to keep things under wraps.’ That sort of thing. Forever more, hand on my heart, I will always contact the Arts Officer and ask questions. Am I eligible? Is my project eligible? Am I in the right category? And any other seemingly small things I am unsure of. 
 

The next three are related.
 

5. I must be ok with being uncomfortable and feeling out of my depth.
This is hard. I want to feel secure and confident when doing the application. I want to enjoy the process. I want it to feel good.  IT. DOES. NOT. FEEL. GOOD. I must be ok with this. I must be ok with writing clumsily and not being able to articulate my idea and its value immediately. I must be ok with getting my head around unusual questions or requests. This is probably my biggest aha from the process. It is only through doing it whilst feeling uncomfortable that we can make our way to understanding and clarity. 
 

6. Perfection cannot be a part of it.
The pursuit of perfection must be dropped. As I mentioned earlier, I was in a busy patch. I did not have the time to make every sentence ooze with sophistication and impeccable word choice. Some things were not as fully fleshed out as intended, but the main ideas were solid and clear. Striving for perfection is not helpful.
 

7. I am dumb and that’s ok.
This was the first time I had to have a grant auspiced. I didn’t even really know what the word meant! If you don’t know, look it up. I was fortunate to be supported by Auspicious Arts and have a wonderful staff member guide me through the finer points of budget management. I felt dumb, asking what seemed like silly questions and having to ask them more than once. It was their job to help, and they were very patient. I big lesson learned. If I don't get it, get help.
 

8. I have no problem tooting my own horn and this serves me very well.
Having done several grant applications, I have honed my skills in the tooting of one's own trumpet. This practice has been very useful. I have gathered experiences over the years that enable me to craft something that leaves an impression. I see this as a strength, and I see it as an area of improvement for many artists I work with. We must be able to stand proud in what we have done, pinpoint the relevant information that will showcase our strengths and distinctiveness, and say ‘I’m awesome and YOU really want to work with ME’. I don’t exactly write it like this…


9. It can be good to bite off more than I can chew and then start chewing.
I don’t know where I heard this saying, but I love it. No one likes to feel under the pump, chasing their tail, especially me. I try to avoid overwhelm at all costs. It has been an interesting experience to observe the mind and its habits. It is more the thought of being overwhelmed that makes me overwhelmed. If we work through things, one at a time and get support, we can handle it. 


10. Creating opportunities or experiences for others must be a part of it. It is the best part.
This grant was a very different one for me. In the past all the grants I have applied for have been for little old me. I was the one benefiting. It has been incredibly rewarding creating opportunities for others. Exhibition opportunity, inclusion in a beautiful lasting catalogue, artist residencies, workshops and artist talks. Opportunities for artists who have been writing together online for years to connect IRL. So, I think in my next one (yes, perhaps I will do this again) I want to have it not just about me.


There are many, many other things learned and relearned, but that’s enough for now. 

Amy x