Blog on DYCP Arts Funding, with advice for applicants

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A few months out of university, I decided to apply to DYCP Arts Council Funding. I did not know much of how to apply at the time, only that it was a grant that it could support my progression as an artist. I was aware of Arts Council seeking out specific support for artists working in a collaborative arts, so I put myself to spending the next few months putting together an application. Much of my intent for this funding was to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I had intent to put together much larger scale-projects than I had previously facilitated; however coming out of an undergraduate degree in science, I was left me feeling relatively overwhelmed at my emergence into an industry my imposter syndrome did not find me ready to take the leap into.  The plan, if awarded, which I put at the back of my mind, was to soak in everything I was interested in, and I believed I could learn more from. I was surprised at obtaining funding when I did. Hours of planning led to joy, in turn very quickly circling into panic. To give a working class creative more money than they likely have ever had with a year to spend it is a brilliant way to learn to budget a project, but I found myself scared to spend any of the money when first awarded, and I am sure there will be others with a similar experience. I had one year to push myself. There are achievements I made in the process, and there were many mistakes. As a working-class artist, I believe in funding like this, because this is the time to make mistakes, particularly for those who may not always have the backing to do so otherwise. To try and to learn both from what you achieve but also what you don't do right. There is yet to be a major outcome project from this. Rather the funding was the sowing of seeds, to give me a netting to try to put myself into doors and with the confidence and network I would have had less of, but much has grown from it. The works planned as put towards this exhibition are ongoing, and new ideas and collaborations have also formed as part of it. This includes work on LGBTQ+ experiences, and a project around women within the industry. 

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If you would like support for your own application, or if you have been awarded a grant, I would be happy to help out with queries, feel free to email me.