Call for applications: Professional development grants for music in SA

The call is also open to applicants whose interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary works have music as a core component.

Applications can be submitted here before 12 July.

ACT is looking for:

• Projects that present innovative ways to serve communities and reach audiences.
• Projects of an interdisciplinary and collaborative nature.
• Projects that showcase high artistic and professional merit.
• Projects that will take place between September 2020 and September 2021.

Criteria

• Emerging/mid-level artists and organisations are eligible to apply for one of six small grants of R30 000 each, while established artists and organisations are eligible to apply for one of three grants of R80 000 each.
• To be eligible for the emerging/mid-level ACT Professional Development Grant, organisations must have been operating professionally for at least one year and have experience of managing budgets of less than R50 000.
• To be considered, established organisations must have been in operation for three or more years and have a proven track record of successful projects with budgets exceeding R50 000.
• Only South African nationals may apply and projects must take place in South Africa. Allocation of grants is at the discretion of the ACT board of trustees. The decision with regard to all applications for funding is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
• Artistic merit – 45%. Artistic merit is the most important criteria considered at ACT when assessing a project.
• Innovative ideas – 25%. ACT supports projects, which look at innovative ways of engaging with their media.
• Skills development – 20%. Skills development of individual artists and within the organisation is highly considered.
• Audience – 10%. Projects should reach a broad audience; those which reach underserved and historically disadvantaged audiences will be prioritised.

“Our sector has been greatly impacted by COVID-19 with lockdown restrictions having a massive impact on the arts,” ACT said. “With the prohibition on social gatherings, the lockdown has also highlighted the value of arts and culture in our communities as many people turn to arts for solace and entertainment during their isolation.”

ACT CEO Marcus Desando said: “As an organisation that strives to assist our stakeholders in realising a much higher purpose in their artistic endeavours and community, we hope that this grant cycle will challenge us all to seek a new way of working and new offerings. We are looking forward to innovative applications and wish safety and wellness for all.”

View the original call here.