Aus Council calls on artists to assess funding applications

The Australia Council for the Arts is calling on artists and arts industry figures to help assess the funding applications of their peers.

Current Peer Assessors include Shepparton rapper Briggs (picture), Sarapul-born, Australian-based singer-songwriter Zulya Kamalova, Western Australian artist Gina McGill, percussionist Vanessa Tomlinson and Sydney-based sound artist Gail Priest.

Peer Assessors will work with the Australia Council to consider the merit of artistic proposals against published criteria at ‘arms-length’ from the Government’s political process.

Artists and those with expertise in the arts sector can nominate themselvesto become Peer Assessors before November 3. They should fit the following criteria:

• Someone who is currently working in the sector, either as an artist, arts manager, or advising the arts sector;
• Need to have a good understanding of their art form and a willingness to engage, learn and connect with other peers as well;
• Able to deliberate the merits of funding applications in an independent manner;
• Knowledge and experience of at least one arts practice that Australia Council supports; and
• An understanding of the artistic process, from making and sharing artistic work, to developing new markets and engaging with audiences and communities.

Pip Wittenoom, Director of Peer Services at the Australia Council told TMN:

“It’s important for applicants to know that their applications have assessed by people like them, who have a good understanding of what it takes to make good art and to share it with people,” she said. “We think that people working in the sector are best placed to have that conversation about artistic merit.”

Wittenoom said the assessment experience is a professional development opportunity.

“The Peer Assessors are also increasing their understanding of what makes a competitive funding application – they often go away and apply that learning in their own grant writing for themselves or their organization,” she said.

Eligible Peer Assessors will be shortlisted and approved to a pool of their colleagues for three years or until they participate in six panels, whichever limit is reached first.

During that time they may be asked to assess applications from individual artists as well as organisations and record labels.

Peer Assessors gather at the Australia Council office in Sydney multiple times per year and can assess between 20 and 150 funding applications, depending on the panel. Each have between three and seven weeks to review and score applications before the assessment meeting.

Peer Assessors are paid for time with travel and accommodation provided.

Wittenoom said the Australia Council is committed to forming diverse and balanced panels.

“We want our panels to be representative of the Australian population and by having people from different areas involved in the decision making helps to bring that perspective.”

To become a peer, complete a nomination onlineherebefore November 3. Following a shortlisting process Peer Assessors will be approved by The Australia Council Board in March, 2017.