Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Cultural Awards Panel: Round 1

Well hello there lovely readers!

This week I have to be very careful about what I say, because I've been involved in some top-secret James Bond-esque stuff and I cannot reveal it willy-nilly to the world! Its about spaceships on Mars.

Running joke - no it isn't :(

Its about the fact that last week I was a panel member for Aberdeen City Council's Cultural Awards Programme. In plain language, this means that cultural organisations in the city are invited to apply for a grant from the council, and I was one of those who read the applications and, as part of a panel, offered recommendations to "the appropriate council committee" on whether or not the project met the award criteria and to what extent.

It was very exciting! I recommended all the money go to me.

I was rejected.

But seriously, I learned a massive amount from being part of this! I learned about the range of arts and cultural organisations in the city, and I now have an idea of what kinds of projects are happening around me. Nearly every second application had me thinking, "oooh. That sounds fun!" - and once I get this Uni stuff all wrapped up I might even find the time to do some of it!

I also reckon I could fill in a killer grant application form, and am in the process of making a list of do's and dont's I have picked up from my experience of reading them - hint: do read the questions, don't provide an income which is greater than your expenditure ;)

And please friends, FULL STOPS! AND BRACKETS WHICH FACE THE RIGHT WAY!
 )they don't go like this!).

One of the most useful things I learned though was to trust my instincts. The panel met for two whole days, Monday and Friday, and to begin with I had very little to add to the discussion. All the projects sounded lovely to me, and I couldn't tell the difference between a good budget and a Lidl receipt even if you paid me. By Monday afternoon though, I was beginning to recognise what to look for - does the project have an identity? Can you tell exactly how the project is intended to unfold? Are there in kind costs in the wrong column? Is there evidence of strong partnerships and an ability to link in with the cultural profile of the city as a whole?

I was able to give the second batch of applications a read before they were considered by the panel on Friday, and this was a big help. I had a chance to go over the applications in my own time - the other panel members were infinitely more experienced than me and could find what they were looking for way quicker than I could! But with the chance to read over beforehand I could offer my tuppence-worth now and again on the Friday and know that my suggestions were considered and valid. Still, quite a few times I'd have a feeling about an application form but not quite know what it was, until someone else would share a concern they had and I'd think "Yes! That's what I was thinking!" By 2pm on Friday though I was getting annoyed with myself for all the "thinking" and none of the saying! But I guess a little more experience will help my brain move faster to these conclusions!

All in all it was two days VERY well spent, and I genuinely had a good time. To top it all off as well I got 2 free lunches, although, apologies to those involved, but the lunches were very uninspiring! :)

So there we are, a nice short splurge for a change to avoid me saying things I shouldn't! Hopefully I've given some idea of the practical skills and general knowledge I picked up without saying anything controversial. I am sort of expecting some snide comments... and that's fine, but feel free to leave nice comments too! Also, give me a follow on twitter @NaomiBegg1 for more hilarious insights, and/or check my about.me for other ways to get in touch :) 

Over and out!
Love to everyone!
Naomi

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