HOW DO I GET A GRANT?
CAROLYN MENDELSOHN, artist and photographer, reveals her experiences of applying for arts funding
WHAT ARTS GRANT(S) HAVE YOU RECEIVED AND WHAT DID THEY FUND?
Over the years, I have been lucky enough to receive a few grants from the Arts Council that have either enabled me to complete an exhibition of my work in partnership with a gallery, or develop an artistic project.
Most recently, I applied for and received Arts Council Project funding which enabled me to continue developing my ‘Through Our
Lens’ (WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/THROUGH_OUR_
LENS_COVID19_PROJ) project. That started as a project enabling young people to tell their story of Covid 19 through photography. I ran workshops and mentored young people online, and then exhibited their work via Instagram.
The work was picked up and soon appeared in the national and international media, and led to an open-air public art exhibition on billboards and the side of buildings.
In April 2020, I applied for and received a £2,500 grant from the Emergency Response fund the Arts Council set up. This was a complete lifesaver for me, as a self-employed photographer and artist, I don’t think I would have been able to survive well without it. Applying for this emergency funding was far more straightforward than the usual complicated process, and receiving it meant that I could pay my bills, and develop a whole new piece of work.
Before that, I also received Arts Council funding to help with the original Being
Inbetween exhibition at Art Link Hull in 2016, when that project was in its earlier stages.
IS IT A DIFFICULT PROCESS TO GET A GRANT?
As a photographer whose work gets exhibited and commissioned, I occasionally apply to the
Arts Council (WWW.ARTSCOUNCIL.ORG.UK/OUROPEN-FUNDS/NEW-ARTS-COUNCIL) for a grant. I never take this lightly, as it isn’t an easy process and they have strict criteria that you need to fulfill. However, there is a lot of guidance available and it is possible to attend workshops that go through the process in detail. You need to know exactly what you intend on doing, the budget should be detailed and also it helps if you have partners or matched funders (cash or in-kind). Make sure every single element of the criteria is ticked off to stand any chance of a successful application. I find the job (and it is a job!) of filling in the online application challenging and, in the past, I have budgeted for someone to assist me. This doesn’t guarantee success – but helps with my stress levels.
The Arts Council is also very good in that if you have access issues, such as dyslexia, for example, you can apply for funding to pay someone to help. It also has an amazing fund, called Developing Your Creative Practice. This is extremely competitive but worth looking into if you want to develop your artistic work.
I also apply to my local council, which has funding pots for the arts. These are easier to apply for and more straightforward. It’s well worth researching where you live.
WHAT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU NEED TO QUALIFY FOR FUNDING?
You need to be able to show that your work or practice can be considered as art. This can be done through your CV or proof of previous work and exhibitions. You don’t need any specific qualifications.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS TRYING TO GET A GRANT?
Applying for arts grants isn’t an easy option, and it shouldn’t be. I have had applications that haven’t been successful because there are so many people applying and the team has to pick one out of many. So be prepared, do your homework, get support and good luck.
Carolyn’s book Being Inbetween is available from Bluecoat Press: WWW.BLUECOATPRESS.CO.UK/PRODUCT/BEINGINBETWEEN/