ARTS FUNDINGPROGRAM REVIEW 2013DIScUSSION PAPER

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ARTS FUNDING PROGRAM REVIEW DIScUSSION PAPER

TAblE OF cONTENTSINTRODUcTION ....................................................................................... 3

1. Why have a review now? ........................................................................ 3

2. What will the Review do? ........................................................................ 3

3. When will changes take place? .............................................................. 4

4. Development of the Discussion Paper .................................................... 4

5. Your feedback ......................................................................................... 5

bAcKGROUND ......................................................................................... 61. NSW Government ................................................................................... 6

2. The role of Arts NSW .............................................................................. 6

3.Identifiedissuesandtrends .................................................................... 7

4. The current Arts Funding Program ......................................................... 8

KEY THEMES ..........................................................................................101. Who and what should be supported and how? ..................................... 10

1.1 Eligibility ........................................................................................ 10

1.2 Organisations ................................................................................ 11

1.3 Peak and service organisations .................................................... 12

1.4 Individuals ..................................................................................... 13

2. Structuring the program to support vibrant arts and culture in NSW .... 14

2.1 Programs and Projects ................................................................... 14

2.2 Supporting accessibility .................................................................. 15

2.3 A diversity of art forms and disciplines ............................................ 16

3. Administration of the program ............................................................... 16

3.1 Assessment processes ................................................................... 16

3.2 Getting the timing right .................................................................... 17

3.3 Measuring outcomes ...................................................................... 18

3.4 Communication, access and transparency ..................................... 19

4. Addressing the Future... ....................................................................... 19

HOW TO RESPOND ...................................................................................20Appendix 1: Arts Funding Program – Current Key Funding Streams .............. 21

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INTRODUcTION

The Arts Funding Program (AFP) is one of the NSW Government’s primary mechanisms for investing in arts and cultural activities in NSW. The program contributes to NSW’s status as the cultural hub of Australia by supporting professional artists and arts and cultural organisations to develop high quality programs and works.

In 2012/13 the NSW Government committed over $56 million through the AFP towards a wide range of programs and projects in metropolitan and regional NSW and across a diverse range of art forms and disciplines.

This discussion paper is designed to provide an opportunity for interested organisations and individuals to contribute ideas and suggestions as part of the Review. We seek your input into the development of a revitalised arts and cultural investment program for NSW over the coming years.

WHY HAVE A REVIEW NOW?2013 is a critical year for arts and culture in NSW. Arts NSW is delivering an integrated reform agenda which will provide a clear direction for the sector over the next decade and will deliver on key NSW Government priorities. The AFP has achieved considerable success in supporting high quality arts and cultural activities in NSW. However, to enable the program to continue to meet Government priorities andtheneedsofthechangingartssectorwithinatightfiscalenvironment,areviewof the current program is considered timely.

TheAFPReviewwillbeundertakenalongsidethedevelopmentofNSW’sfirst Arts and Cultural Policy. The Review aims to ensure that NSW maintains an effective,efficient,equitableandsustainableartsandculturalinvestmentmodel. This revised funding program model will be a key outcome within the NSW Arts and Cultural Policy.

WHAT WIll THE REVIEW DO?The Review will make recommendations to the Minister for the Arts to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the AFP. In a changing operating environment, the Review will address the developing needs and expectations of the arts and cultural sector and its audiences, and the NSW Government’s goals and priorities. The scope of the Reviewincludestheidentificationofimprovedevaluationmechanismstoassessbothindividual projects and the overall effectiveness of the AFP in meeting its objectives.

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Reviewrecommendationswillinformdecisionsonhowtoeffectivelyandefficientlydeliver future investment programs. Recommendations are expected to consider changes to the objectives, structure, administration and evaluation of the AFP.

Program funding for the Major Performing Arts (MPA) sector, which is provided jointly with the Australia Council, was recently reviewed. Following the review, a new National Framework for Governments’ Support of the MPA Sector was agreed to and implemented from 2012. As such, the current framework for funding of MPA companies will not receive further consideration in this Review.

The Review is being conducted by Arts NSW and will include a period of face-to-face sector consultations.

WHEN WIll cHANGES TAKE PlAcE?The outcomes of the review will be made public towards the end of 2013. Recommendations will be implemented in 2014 for the 2015 funding program.

DEVElOPMENT OF THE DIScUSSION PAPERThe development of this discussion paper has been informed by the following:

► Feedback on previous AFP assessment rounds from both peer assessors and applicants, including through the Arts NSW 2012 Client Feedback Survey

► Recent discussions with arts and cultural sector representatives, including theNSWRegionalArtsDevelopmentOfficers(RADOs),aspartofthedevelopment of sector snapshots on the current state of arts and cultural activity within various art forms and within regional NSW (draft art form sector snapshots are available on the Arts NSW website http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/arts-in-nsw/2013-sector-snapshots/. RADO reports will be available in late June 2013)

► Funding program reviews recently completed by government funding bodies in other jurisdictions

► Other research including comparable funding programs and models, evaluation processes and previous Arts NSW reviews.

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YOUR FEEDbAcK Contributions from the arts and cultural sector and its stakeholders and interested organisations/individuals are invited on the following key themes:

1. Who and what should be supported and how?

2. Structuring the program to support vibrant arts and culture in NSW.

3. Administration of the program.

4. Addressing the future.

The key themes are outlined further in the following pages.

Broader questions regarding the role of government in supporting the arts and the type of strategic priorities that should be supported over time will be considered in the NSW Arts and Cultural Policy discussion paper to be released at a later date.

As indicated above, in addition to this discussion paper, Arts NSW will conduct a series of face-to-face consultations in metropolitan and regional NSW in July 2013. Dates and times for these sessions will be published in the Arts NSW e-News and on the Arts NSW website at a later date. Please sign up to the Arts NSW e-News to receive further information http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/category/news-and-publications/arts-nsw-e-news/

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bAcKGROUND

NSW GOVERNMENT The NSW Government’s commitment to arts and culture is set out in its ten year strategic State plan NSW 2021: A Plan to Make NSW Number One.

Goal 27 of NSW 2021 outlines priority actions to enhance cultural and creative opportunities, including:

► An increase in participation in arts and cultural activities across NSW

► An increase in the number of opportunities for cultural participation, including for Aboriginal, multicultural and community activity/events

► The ongoing recognition and protection of cultural and natural heritage.

The key NSW Government agencies delivering on arts and cultural priorities within NSW 2021 include Arts NSW, Screen NSW, Destination NSW and the State Cultural Institutions: Art Gallery of NSW, Australian Museum, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences (Powerhouse Museum), State Library of NSW, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Living Museums.

The NSW Government has commissioned a number of key taskforces to develop Industry Action Plans (IAPs) to assist with achieving NSW 2021 goals. The three taskforces that have particular relevance to arts and culture are:

► Creative Industries http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/doing-business-in-nsw/industry-action-plans/creative-industries

► Visitor Economy https://www.business.nsw.gov.au/doing-business-in-nsw/industry-action-plans/visitor-economy

► Digital Economy http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/doing-business-in-nsw/industry-action-plans/digital-economy .

THE ROlE OF ARTS NSWArts NSW is a branch within the NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (NSW Trade & Investment) and is the NSW Government’s arts policy and funding body.

Arts NSW is committed to building stronger communities through further developing arts and culture; enabling NSW to be a more vibrant, dynamic and creative state. Arts NSWworkstoensurethatartistsflourishandtheNSWeconomyisstrengthenedbythe capacity of our creative industries to generate wealth and create jobs.

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Arts NSW invests in the arts and cultural sector in a number of key ways including through policy development, infrastructure investment (including the provision of subsidisedvenue/officeaccommodationandfosteringcreativehubsandprecincts)and grants funding. Grants are provided in line with Government’s overall strategic direction and in compliance with grants funding best practice (see NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet Good Practice Guide to Grants Administration).

The Federal Government and NSW local governments also provide assistance to the arts and cultural sectors. The Federal Government’s arts funding and advisorybody,theAustraliaCouncilfortheArts,providessignificantfundingtoboth arts organisations and individual artists nationally. Whilst the capacity of local governments to support arts and culture across NSW varies, local governments have been instrumental in the development of cultural facilities and support of local creative practice.

Where appropriate, Arts NSW partners with funding agencies in other jurisdictions to support strategic organisations and projects, including with the Australia Council to fund the NSW Major Performing Arts companies and Visual Arts and Craft Strategy organisations (VACS).

As part of the Review, consideration will be given to how partnerships across governments and also the philanthropic, private and public sectors can enhance future funding programs.

IDENTIFIED ISSUES AND TRENDS In recent discussions referred to above, arts and cultural sector representatives raised a range of current issues, trends and themes including:

► An increase in collaboration across art forms

► Thepotentialfornewtechnologiestosignificantlyimpactonartmaking,presentation, accessibility, audience interaction and marketing

► Career pathways to support/sustain artists are limited

► International markets may provide additional opportunities for artists and organisations

► Challenges in accessing appropriate and affordable space to develop, perform, rehearse and/or present work, particularly in the Sydney CBD

► Touring is considered important however, touring work can be expensive and timeframes are often protracted

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► Theneedforfundingprogramstobeflexibleenoughtosupportemergingart forms and contemporary art practice

► Longer term funding commitments are sought-after however, opportunities for new organisations to access multi-year funding is limited

► Diversificationofincomeisdesirablehowever,thesmalltomediumsectorhas limited access to the skills needed to develop these revenues to assist them to develop more sustainable operations.

THE cURRENT ARTS FUNDING PROGRAM TheAFPisanannualfundingprogramofferinggrantstonot-for-profitartsandcultural organisations (including local councils) of all sizes, and NSW based professional arts practitioners and groups, across a variety of categories. It was introduced in 2009, to replace the then Cultural Grants Program.

Since its introduction, the structure and scope of the program has evolved in response to changing policy and a shifting arts and cultural environment. Changes have included adjustments to available project categories, eligibility requirements, application limits, funding limits and the assessment criteria. This Review will enable a more systematic and long term consideration of the program.

The current AFP seeks to promote three key objectives (see the 2014 AFP Guide):

A creative and diverse arts and cultural sector: the NSW Government invests in artistic excellence and professional development and encourages innovation by artists and arts and cultural organisations. The AFP supports new artistic work acrossallartformsanddisciplines(excludingfilm),andorganisationsthatareinnovative in attracting new audiences. Audience development and participation: NSW 2021 aims to increase the number of opportunities for arts and cultural participation across NSW. Of particular importance within the AFP are projects and programs that focus on: Aboriginal arts and cultural activities, culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) arts and cultural activities, people with disability, young people and communities in regional NSW and Western Sydney. Improved business capacity and governance: the NSW Government invests in the development of a strong arts sector that is resilient and has partners across the community. It offers funding to organisations that demonstrate good governance and the capacity to maintain and develop their activity and reach.

Funding is available through four key funding streams, each with its own objectives, eligibility requirements, closing dates, funding limits and reporting requirements:

Program Funding: a contribution towards the costs of delivering a program

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of arts and cultural activities on an annual and multi-year basis.Project Funding: for one-off time limited projects including for the creation and presentation of work, capital infrastructure and performing arts touring.Professional Development: a suite of fellowships and awards.Strategic Support:limitedandtargetedstrategicsupportforspecificprioritiesor to respond to new opportunities throughout the year (eg Aboriginal arts and culture, artists with disability).

TheAFPseekstofindanappropriatebalancebetweenfundinglevelsallocatedtoeachfundingstream,andwithineachfundingstream.Withinfiniteresources,adjustments to any one funding stream will have a corresponding impact on other streams.

2012/13 AFP KEY FUNDING STREAMS

Figure 1: Snapshot of 2012/13 Funding Streams. Other: a one-off capital grant of $2M to be provided to the National Art School and $1.47M provided to Arts NSW for direct transfer to the Department of Education and Communities towards core funding for Regional Conservatoriums. Funding information is current as at April 2013.

In 2012/13, the AFP will allocate over $56 million in funding to arts and cultural organisations and individuals across NSW. The 2013 AFP (excluding devolved funding rounds) received 656 applications and provided funding to 247 organisations and 40 individuals towards the delivery of 395 programs and projects.*

A list of current funding recipients can be accessed on the Arts NSW website http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/category/funding-and-support/funding-recipients/

Further information on AFP funding streams is outlined in Appendix 1. * Information is current as at April 2013

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KEY THEMES

WHO AND WHAT SHOUlD bE SUPPORTED AND HOW?Fundingiscurrentlyavailabletonot-for-profitartsandculturalorganisations(including local councils) and NSW based professional arts practitioners and groups forspecificactivitiesandprograms.

Funding is provided on a competitive, negotiated and strategic basis towards programs of arts and cultural activities (annual and multi-year), one-off projects and professional development (see Appendix 1).

The majority of AFP funding is administered directly by Arts NSW, however, some funds are devolved to arts and cultural organisations to deliver small grants programsforsmallscaleactivitiesatalocalandregionallevel,and/orwithinspecificart forms and communities (see section 1.3).

We invite you to consider who, what and how we currently invest in the arts and cultural sector and provide feedback on whether there are other ways, models and investmentmechanisms(includingnon-financial)wemightconsiderthatwilladdvalue to and/or replace our current programs.

1.1 Eligibility Eligibility requirements and restrictions on the use of funds vary throughout the AFP. To be eligible for funding, organisations and individuals must meet general eligibility requirementsaswellasanyspecificeligibilityrequirementsforeachcategory.

Funding is not available for certain organisations, activities and items. For example, currently libraries, government departments, education institutions and amateur organisations/artists are ineligible to apply for funding.

Eligibility is also restricted where organisations receive funding for their core operations from other Government departments (eg Regional Conservatoriums may not apply for Program Funding as the Department of Education and Communities provides the Conservatoriums with core funding).

Activities which are ineligible for funding include the production of CDs, books and DVDs (where this is the sole intention of the funding), revitalisation or renewal of precincts (where this is the dominant purpose of the activity), feasibility studies, purchaseoflandandbuildings,filmmaking,costsofoperatingaradiostation,attendance at conferences and accredited study etc.

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(See 2014 AFP Guide for further information on eligibility requirements and ineligible activities http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/funding-and-support/information-for-applicants-funding-and-support/guidelines/).

Eligibility requirements assist in directing funding towards priority areas/activities, ensure a level of excellence through the support of professional arts practice, ensureabenefittoNSW,andthebestuseofafinitebudget.Theyalsoassistto obtain a more equitable spread of funding (eg restrictions on Sydney based organisations applying to regional project categories and restrictions on the number of applications an applicant already in receipt of Program Funding can make to other project categories).

► How do current eligibility requirements impact on you, your organisation or arts and cultural activities?

► Arecurrenteligibilitycriteriasufficientlymeetingthecurrentneedsofthearts and cultural sector?

1.2 OrganisatiOnsThe key way in which organisations currently receive funding through the AFP is through Program Funding (both annual and multi-year) and Project Funding (subject to eligibility requirements).

Project Funding provides targeted assistance towards the costs of one-off projects which are typically delivered within a 12 month period.

Program Funding targets longer term organisational stability facilitating better planning, the ability to invest in more risky artistic work/ventures, provide stable employment,leveragebroadercontributionsandbuildstrongerfinancialcapacity.Annual Program Funding is an open category. Multi-year Program Funding is available by invitation only (see also section 2.1).

Many organisations are reliant on government income to support their operations. For the majority of organisations currently in receipt of Program Funding, funding does not stretch beyond covering ongoing operational costs. Other diverse sources of income (eg sponsorships and philanthropy) are required to sustain artistic work/programs and organisational growth. However, many organisations, particularly in the small to medium sector, have limited ability to attract and maintain those diverse funding streams.

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Whilst possible increases to funding for individual organisations may provide greatersustainability,withinthecurrentfiscalenvironment,thiswillresultinfewer organisations accessing funds. Conversely, increases to the number of organisations/activities being funded will result in lower levels of funding being providedacrosstheboard.Futurefundingprogramsmustfindaneffectivebalancebetween these competing interests.

Additionally,theflexibilityoftheAFPtoaccommodateneworganisationsandactivities is impacted by current Multi-year commitments. Other funding bodies have approached the issue of new entrants to multi-year funding through the provision of pathways for emerging organisations to move towards multi-year funding (eg Australia Council Emerging Key Organisations), and the implementation of a tiered multi-year funding framework to support developing, established and lead organisations (Arts Victoria).

► Is funding fewer organisations at higher levels to assist their capacity desirable, or should more organisations be funded at lower levels to assist a greater spread of funding?

► Is the introduction of explicit and transparent criteria around eligibility for Multi-year Program Funding desirable – if so, what criteria might be considered?

► How can government work to strengthen organisational capacity in the arts and cultural sector?

► Are current Program Funding terms (generally 1 to 3 years) appropriate?

► Is it useful to think in terms of emerging and established organisations and approach their funding in different ways?

► How should pathways and transition into and out of Program Funding categories best be addressed?

► How can the AFP be better structured to encourage/secure investment from other sources (eg philanthropic and private)?

► Arethereotherways/models(includingnon-financial)toeffectivelystrengthen arts and cultural organisations?

1.3 PEak and sErvicE OrganisatiOnsUnlike the majority of organisations funded through the AFP, peak and service organisations are not focussed on the development and production of work for presentation.Theirprimaryroleistoservicespecificareasofthesectorincludingproviding advocacy, capacity building, communications and training services.

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Theseorganisationshavebroadnetworksacrosstheartssector,withinspecificartforms, and within their communities. Information on peak and service organisations currently funded through the AFP can be accessed on the Arts NSW website http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/arts-in-nsw/peak-and-service-organisations/

AFP funding is also devolved to peak and service organisations to administer small grants programs for individuals, groups and small organisations. Current AFP devolved grants programs primarily target emerging artists, volunteers and organisations/ individuals in regional areas. Guidelines, closing dates, application forms and application processes for devolved funding rounds vary. Information on current AFP devolved funding programs is available on the Arts NSW website http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/category/funding-and-support/types-of-funding/

In 2012/13, the NSW Government provided $5.9M to peak and service organisations through the AFP. This consisted of $4.9M in Negotiated Program Funding support and approximately $1M in devolved funding.

► Should peak and service organisations continue to access funding from withintheAFPtofulfiltherolesabove?

► Would some of the services above be better provided on a fee-for-service basis? If so, when might that be appropriate?

► Does the current devolved funding model deliver effective outcomes - why?

► Arethereimprovementsthatcouldassisttheefficiencyandeffectivenessof devolved funding programs?

1.4 individualsThe current AFP provides funding to individual artists through Fellowships and Awards, Artists Support (formerly Quick Response) and Project Funding (if auspiced by an eligible organisation). Additionally, Arts NSW devolves funding to peak organisations to manage small grants, some of which are available to individuals (see 1.3 above).

The AFP also provides indirect support to individuals through the funding of organisations. Many organisations support individual artists/groups through the provision of opportunities including the commissioning of new work, publication, creative development support, presenting opportunities and the provision of residency spaces.

Outside of the AFP, NSW artists can seek support for their practice through the Australia Council for the Arts, some local governments and the private sector.

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Increasingly, individuals are also successfully harnessing support for projects through crowd funding mechanisms via websites such as Pozible.

Note that the Fellowships category of the AFP has recently undergone a review. Thereviewandtheprogramareyettobefinalised.InformationontheFellowshipsreview is available on the Arts NSW website http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/news-and-publications/news/review-of-fellowships-and-scholarships/ Recommendations of the review will inform the current AFP Review.

► Isitusefultoofferspecificfundingpathwaysaroundemerging,mid-careerorestablishedartists,regionalartists,internationalactivities,specificartforms etc?

► How effective are small grants programs (under $5,000)?

► Do other funding bodies (eg the Australia Council), philanthropic organisations andfundingplatformsalreadyprovidesufficientsupportforindividuals?

► Are there opportunities to partner with eg philanthropic and crowd funding mechanisms to maximise support for individuals?

► Is it desirable for funded organisations to provide greater assistance and opportunities for individuals? If so, how could this be encouraged?

► Arethereotherways/models(includingnon-financial)toeffectivelyassistindividuals?

STRUcTURING THE PROGRAM TO SUPPORT VIbRANT ARTS AND cUlTURE IN NSW

2.1 PrOgrams and PrOjEctsThe two main ways in which funding is structured within the AFP is through the provision of longer term Program Funding (annual and multi-year) and grants for one-off projects.

In 2012/13 $5.89M (10%) of the AFP budget was allocated towards Project Funding categories, with $45.16M (80%) of the budget allocated to Program Funding (Figure 1).

Program Funding contributes towards an organisation’s operations and the costs of carrying out its program of activities on an annual or multi-year basis.

Project funding can be more dynamic and open to emerging organisations and practice. Project categories can respond to the changing environment and be tailoredtoaddressspecificpriorities(egregional,Aboriginal,youngpeople),meetspecificneedsofthesector(egcapital,touring),fundone-offactivities(egcreative

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developments, residencies, presentations) and fund the work of organisations and individuals who are not eligible for Program Funding, or for whom Program Funding is not suitable.

The AFP strives to balance Program and Project funding allocations to effectively providebothstabilityandflexibilitytotheartsandculturalsectorwithintheavailable budget.

► Is the current balance between Program and Project Funding appropriate – why?

► Are there new project funding categories that should be considered for support?

► Are there current project categories that should be removed?

► How can emerging issues, new activity and innovation most effectively be facilitated?

2.2 suPPOrting accEssibilityThe current AFP, in line with NSW 2021, aims to increase participation in the arts andcultureinNSW.Ofparticularsignificanceareopportunitiesforaccessascreators, participants and audiences by people in regional NSW, Aboriginal people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds, people in Western Sydney, people with disability and young people. Access by these priority groupsarereflectedinthecurrentAFPGeneralAssessmentCriteria(seeSection3.1 for further information an assessment criteria).

In addition, the AFP has tailored Project categories to provide funding for activities that target some of these priority groups, including the regional suite of Project categories and Aboriginal Quick Response grants.

Support for regional activities and participation is also provided through the regional developmentnetworksofRegionalArtsDevelopmentOfficers(RADOs),regionalgalleries, writers’ centres, museums, libraries, regional conservatoriums and performing arts venues/companies, many of whom receive funding through the AFP.

► Are current AFP priority areas for access and participation still appropriate/ relevant?

► Do you believe the AFP is achieving appropriate access for priority groups? If not, are there alternative ways to achieve participation from priority groups?

► Can programs supporting digital delivery assist to increase wider participation generally and in regional and remote areas? What other mechanisms might also exist?

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2.3 a divErsity Of art fOrms and disciPlinEsWith the introduction of the AFP in 2009, art form-based funding categories were replaced with purpose-based categories (ie program and project funding) accepting applications from all art forms. This change was in part aimed at improvingflexibilityfornew,crossandmulti-artformprojectsandprogramstobeconsidered and at simplifying application and assessment processes. To facilitate thischange,specificartformpeerassessmentpanelswerereplacedbymulti-artform peer assessment panels.

Aspartoftheassessmentprocess,andpriortofinalisingfundingrecommendations,peerassessmentpanelsreviewthefinalmixoffundingrecommendationstoensurea mix of art form/disciplines.

► Does the current AFP provide appropriate opportunities for funding of your art form/discipline? If not, how can a more diverse mix of art forms/disciplines, including new and emerging art forms/disciplines, most effectively be facilitated?

► Shouldstrategiesaroundspecificartforms/disciplinesbeintroduced?Ifso,why and how?

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAM

3.1 assEssmEnt PrOcEssEs WhilemostAFPcategoriesrequireapplicantstoaddressfiveequallyweightedgeneral assessment criteria (program/project merit, audience development and participation, contribution to priority areas, individual/organisational capacity, andbudget),somecategorieshavespecificassessmentcriteriawhichmustbeaddressed in place of, or in addition to the general criteria. (See the 2014 AFP Guide for further information on current assessment criteria http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/funding-and-support/information-for-applicants-funding-and-support/guidelines/)

All applications to the AFP (except for negotiated funding and some strategic support)areassessedcompetitivelybyapanelofsuitablyqualifiedandexperiencedrepresentatives from across the sector. Peer representatives have a professional associationwiththeartsoraspecificartform,andhavetheknowledgeand/orexperience to make a fair and informed assessment of applications.

In 2013 a peer register was introduced to allow sector representatives to express interest in joining AFP assessment panels. All peer representatives are selected

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from the peer register. They are appointed at the beginning of each funding round to assessspecificfundingcategories.Assessmentpanelsarecomprisedofindividualsfrom a mix of art forms, with a diversity of experience and an appropriate balance of expertise and regional representation.

Applications are scored by panel members against the published selection criteria. Scoresarecollatedandapplicationsareranked,withfurtherdiscussionandfinalagreement on funding recommendations taking place at assessment meetings. Peer panelsreviewthefinalmixofartform/disciplineandgeographicdistributionpriortoformalisingfinalrecommendations.

Some organisations are invited to negotiate their funding directly with Arts NSW (key festivals, major performing arts, visual arts and craft strategy, peak and service and statesignificantorganisations).Negotiatedagreementscoverorganisationswhichare funded through joint funding agreements with other jurisdictions, organisations withabroadscopeandsignificance,organisationsservicingtheartsandculturalsector, and organisations delivering devolved funding programs. Negotiated funding, and some strategic support applications are assessed by NSW Government representatives with access to independent peers as required.

Panel and negotiated recommendations are provided to the Minister for the Arts for approval.

► Are there improvements that can be made to the current assessment processes?

► Are the current assessment criteria still suitable?

► Istheremeritinallocatinggreaterweighttospecificassessmentcriteria? If so, which criteria?

► Do you believe the current assessment process results in funding for activities of high artistic/cultural quality? If not, how can this be best achieved?

3.2 gEtting thE timing right The AFP is an annual program with staggered closing dates for each funding category and a range of key milestones and implementation deadlines. These include application, assessment, announcement and reporting timeframes which are predominantly guided by sector needs, harmonisation with other funding bodies (where appropriate), announcement of the State budget, the time needed bypeerpanelstoassessapplicationsandtheneedforanefficientandeffectiveadministration of the program by Arts NSW.

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Applications to the AFP are made online, with application forms available six weeks prior to closing dates. Acquittal reporting is required to be submitted three to four months following completion of the funded activities.

► How do current timeframes impact on you/your organisation (including release of funding guidelines, application dates, availability of application forms, funding announcements and reporting)?

► What are the most critical issues for you/your organisation which Arts NSW should consider when setting timeframes?

3.3 mEasuring OutcOmEsAllgrantrecipientsarecurrentlyrequiredtosubmitartisticandfinancialreporting(anacquittal) upon completion of their funded activities. Electronic forms are in place to standardise and simplify reporting requirements.

To assist organisations in receipt of AFP Multi-year Program Funding and Australia Council Key Organisation, MPA and VACS funding, Arts NSW has agreed to receive reporting in a harmonised format.

Acquittal reporting allows Arts NSW to assess the success of the funded program/ project/activities and to ensure accountability for use of Government funds. It also allows the Government to evaluate whether the AFP is achieving its objectives. Whilst avenues for reducing red tape are always being investigated, a certain level of reporting is mandatory to meet the requirements of the NSW Auditor-General with regards to expenditure of tax payer funds and to evaluate programs.

► How do current reporting requirements impact you/your organisation?

► Are there ways in which current reporting requirements can be improved?

► Are there better ways to measure both qualitative outcomes (artistic vibrancy, audience appreciation) and quantitative outputs (audience numbers, employment statistics etc)?

► Some reporting harmonisation with other funding agencies is currently in place. Is harmonisation working? If not, what improvements can be made?

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3.4 cOmmunicatiOn, accEss and transParEncy It is fundamental that Government funding programs are administered in a fair and transparent manner and that clear communication pathways and equitable access to information is maintained between the arts and cultural sector and Arts NSW.

► Are you aware of the current pathways through which you can obtain informationand/orseekadviceonthecurrentAFP–aretheysufficient?

► IstheresufficienttransparencyaroundthewaytheAFPisadministeredand decisions are made? If not, how could this be improved?

► AretheexpectationsofGovernmentclearlyidentifiedwithinthecurrentAFP (eg objectives of funding, current priorities)?

► Do you believe Arts NSW’s annual Client Feedback Survey provides an effective opportunity to feedback on programs and services? Are there other ways feedback can be encouraged?

ADDRESSING THE FUTURE…The arts sector is a dynamic environment with emerging organisations, art forms and practices, new technologies, new ways of thinking, emerging partnerships and innovative models for working that are continually shaping the landscape.

► How can the AFP most effectively develop, evolve and adapt to the contemporary needs of the arts and cultural sector?

► Are you aware of other programs and models for investing in the arts and cultural sectors which might be considered as part of this Review? If so, why do you consider them to be effective?

► Should there be a stronger focus on innovation and new practices?

► What are your top three priorities for a revitalised arts funding program?

► What else would you like to tell us?

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HOW TO RESPOND

Please provide your comments and suggestions against each topic using the Discussion Paper Consultation Form which can be downloaded from the Arts NSW website http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/about-us/our-work/review-of-the-arts-funding-program/

Completed Forms must be emailed to afpreview@arts.nsw.gov.au by 5pm on Friday, 26 July 2013.

Ifyourequirefurtherclarificationregardingthequestionsinthisdiscussionpaper,orif you require a copy of the Consultation Form to be emailed to you, please contact:

angela ceccoSeniorProgramOfficer,PolicyandStrategyArts NSW Email: angela.cecco@arts.nsw.gov.au

OR

kylie kayePolicyOfficer,PolicyandStrategyArts NSW Email: kylie.kaye@arts.nsw.gov.au.

Note:ArtsNSWwillmoveofficestowardstheendofJune2013.Foruptodatephone and other contact information, please refer to the Arts NSW website http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/category/about-us/people-and-structure/

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APPENDIx 1: ARTS FUNDING PROGRAM – cURRENT KEY FUNDING STREAMS

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PrOgram funding Program Funding is provided towards an organisation’s costs of delivering its program of arts and cultural activities on an annual or multi-year basis. To be eligible for Program Funding, organisations must be legally constituted and either a not-for-profitincorporatedbody,acooperativeortrust,oralocalgovernmentauthority.

2012/13 PROGRAM FUNDING

Chart A: 2012/13 Program Funding Allocations NSW Major Performing Arts (MPA) organisations are fundedjointlywiththeAustraliaCouncilunderanationalfundingframework.TheStateSignificantorganisations are Carriageworks and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. The Key Festivals are Sydney Festival, Sydney Writers’ Festival and Biennale of Sydney. VACS are Visual Arts & Craft Strategy organisations funded in partnership with the Australia Council. The Election Commitments category is funding to Sculpture by the Sea and Short + Sweet Productions Ltd. See http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/category/funding-and-support/funding-recipients/ Funding information is current as at April 2013.

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(See the 2014 AFP Guide for further information on special eligibility conditions http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/funding-and-support/information-for-applicants-funding-and-support/guidelines/).

Annual Program funding is an open category. Multi-year program funding is available by invitation only and is for arts and cultural organisations that are central to the cultural life of NSW. These organisations have an outstanding track record in delivering on previous funding, a demonstrated capacity to secure diverse funding, an ongoing commitment to strategic partnerships and a high level of strategic importance to their region and/or art form/discipline.

Annual and Multi-year applications are made on a competitive basis. Negotiated program applications are assessed through an internal negotiated process with access to independent peers as required.

PrOjEct funding Project Funding is provided towards the costs of one-off arts and cultural activities or events.

2012/13 PROjEcT FUNDING

Chart B: 2012/13 Project Funding Category Allocations Strategic Industry Development (SID) funding is no longer a category of the AFP. SID funding in this chart shows third year payments to organisations that received multi-year commitments in 2011. Funding information is current as at April 2013.

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Subjecttothespecificeligibilityrequirementsofeachprojectcategory,ProjectFunding is available to individuals (professional NSW artists and arts practitioners), groups and eligible organisations.

Project categories provide funding for key areas of interest.

The 2014 project funding categories are: New Projects, Young People, Artist Support (formerly Quick Response), Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund, Performing Arts Touring, Regional Capital, Regional Conservatorium, Regional Partnerships.

Inadditiontotheabovecategories,fundingisdevolvedbyArtsNSWtospecificarts and cultural organisations towards activities at local and regional levels. These organisationshavebroadnetworksacrosstheartssector,withinspecificartforms,and within the community.

stratEgic suPPOrt Limited and targeted strategic support is available to eligible organisations, individualsandforprojectsforspecificprioritiesortorespondtonewopportunitiesthroughout the year. Support can be determined through direct negotiation, expressions of interest, invited competitive tender (requests for proposals) or open competitive rounds. Priorities in 2012/13 included Aboriginal arts and culture, artists with disability and the Central Coast Community Partnership. More information on Strategic Support is available on the Arts NSW website http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/category/funding-and-support/types-of-funding/

PrOfEssiOnal dEvElOPmEnt and awards A range of annual and biennial fellowships to individuals across various art forms and disciplines. The Fellowships program is currently under review. The review and programareyettobefinalised.InformationontheFellowshipsreviewisavailableonthe Arts NSW website http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/index.php/news-and-publications/news/review-of-fellowships-and-scholarships/.

In addition to Fellowships, Arts NSW provides funding towards literature and history through the NSW Premier’s Literary and History Awards. These awards are managed by the State Library of NSW, in association with Arts NSW.