10 Tips for Top Grants

Did you know that for the typical grant seeker in Australia, 62% don’t submit their grant application after they start one*? To ensure regional Queensland can beat these odds, I’ve put together a comprehensive, 3-hour grant writing master class for artists, arts organisations and creative businesses in regional Queensland seeking to build their grant writing confidence and skills.

Grant Writing for the Arts Workshops

With thanks to funding from the Regional Arts Fund, I’m officially halfway through the Grant Writing for the Arts: Rural Roadshow project - six workshops in six Queensland communities sharing tips and tricks for writing successful grants in the arts and cultural sector. Due to funding support, these workshops are fully-subsidised for participants to attend (that’s right - they’re free!). There are 3 more workshops to go in the Sunshine Coast, Gympie and Fraser Coast regions:

1. Kenilworth: Thursday 18 April 11am-2pm

2. Tin Can Bay: Wednesday 24 April 11am-2pm

3. Tiaro: Wednesday 1 May 11am-2pm

Olivia Everitt facilitating the ‘Grant Writing for the Arts’ workshop at Wondai Regional Art Gallery (South Burnett region) in March 2024.

10 Tips for Top Grants

As part of this workshop series, I’ve developed a new, one-page resource sheet - 10 Tips for Top Grants! Whether you’ve a beginner grant writer or a seasoned pro, this resource is your secret weapon to strengthen your next grant application.

If you’d like a printable copy to keep on your desk, I have you covered!

Remember, grant writing is a transferrable skill, so whether you’re looking for grants in the arts sector, small business grants, infrastructure grants or something else, these tips apply to you!

Grant Writing Tip #1: Do Your Homework

Read the grant guidelines, call the funding body to ask questions and discuss your project, and attend any information sessions.

Unfortunately, no two grant programs are the same! Grant programs that run multiple rounds can also make minor or even major changes from round to round. You will need to read the grant guidelines (and any other associated documents, e.g. FAQs, applicant checklists, budget templates, etc.) in full.

Information sessions are a valuable opportunity to meet representatives from the funding body and ask general questions. These may be face-to-face sessions for local grants, or a webinar format for programs with a broader geographical reach.

For some grant programs it may be mandatory to discuss your project with a representative from the funding body before progressing to an application. Regardless of whether or not this is required, it’s good practice to pick up the phone - grant officers are a wealth of valuable information for any grant seeker!

Grant Writing Tip #2: Is The Grant Right For You?

Understand the context, such as relevant government strategies or the funding body’s mission. Can you find case studies or a previous recipient list to understand what and who has been funded in the past?

Many funding bodies have publicly accessible lists of previous grant recipients, or may offer written or video case studies of previously funded projects. This can be useful research for grant seekers before deciding to proceed with an application.

For government grants, you should also understand the policy environment and strategic context for the grant program. For example, if you’re apply for arts funding from the Australian Government (e.g. Office for the Arts, Creative Australia), it may be useful to understand the key strategic pillars in the new National Cultural Policy—Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place and think about how your project aligns with one or more aspects of this framework.

Grant Writing Tip #3: Is It Attainable?

What was the success rate of previous applicants? Writing a grant application is time intensive, and comparing success rates between grant opportunities can be a useful guide if you have limited time and resources for submitting grant applications.

Some funding bodies will make information about success rates publicly accessible (and others will tell you if you ask - see Grant Writing Tip #1, and pick up the phone!). This intel can form part of your decision-making process on whether or not to progress with an application. If you are applying to round 3, round 6 or even round 120 - understanding how ‘over-subscribed’ (i.e. highly competitive, low success rate) or ‘under-subscribed’ (i.e. less applications than expected, high success rate) the grant program can be useful for grant seekers.

If you have the time and resources to apply for funding and you believe your project strongly aligns with the funding objectives, I would always recommend you apply and throw your hat in the ring.

However, many organisations have limited time and/or people power and may only be able to target a small number of grants each year. Understanding success rates may be a strategic tool to add to your grant seeking tool kit.

Grant Writing Tip #4: Tackle Your Budget Early.

A strong and viable budget is important for funding bodies, but it’s equally as important to you! Poorly costed budgets are risky. Many grant programs will require quotes and/or reference to industry rates. For large projects or infrastructure grants, ask the funding body if you can include a contingency in your budget for price escalation or unexpected changes.

Budgets can be (and arguably, should be) complex. Some funding bodies may require you to supply quotes for large budget items. For infrastructure projects, this may be 2-3 comparable quotes.

Creating your budget may require liaising with external stakeholders, trades and suppliers to obtain quotes. Don’t leave this until the last minute!

Olivia Everitt facilitating the ‘Grant Writing for the Arts’ workshop at The Platform, Murgon (South Burnett region) in February 2023.

Grant Writing Tip #5: Don’t Leave Support Material Until Last.

From letters of support to financial documents, many grant applications require additional attachments. Allow time to engage with external stakeholders and gather the required information.

Handy documents to have on hand before looking for grants include:

• Insurance Certificate of Currency (many grant applications will require evidence of your Public Liability Insurance, particularly if there is any public-facing outcome like an event).

• Incorporation Certificate (relevant for community groups and clubs with an Incorporated Association structure).

• Most recent audited financials (particularly relevant for not-for-profit grant seekers, and charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC).

• Examples of previous work (do you have high quality images, video or audio of your creative practice? Keep a folder of “hero images” handy as many arts grants will ask you to provide evidence of the quality of your practice).

Grant Writing Tip #6: Don’t Be Afraid To Use Dot Points.

Where relevant, capture some of your written responses in dot point form.

Dot points are a simple but useful tool that enable you to:

• Double check if you’ve really answered the question.

• Avoid lengthy, large blocks of text that lose your key messages.

• Provide clarity to the grant assessor about what you’re doing and why.

Grant Writing Tip #7: Prove It.

Provide relevant data to support any claims you make, and to evidence the need for your project. This may include researching and referencing demographic information, tourism data, customer surveys or feedback, ticketing data and more.

For example, instead of writing “The Festival has direct economic benefits for the Fraser Coast region.”, try expanding this and provide relevant evidence:

“The Festival was attended by 4,000 people in 2022 with 700 camping overnight. The average overnight tripper to the Fraser Coast spends on average $141.70/night (1), indicating Festival campers alone injected $99,190 into the local economy.” (Ref 1: Fraser Coast Regional Events Strategy 2020-2024, page 9).

Grant Writing Tip #8: Convey All Key Details To The Grant Assessor.

Have you clearly outlined the why, what, how, who, when and where of your project? Don’t rely on the grant assessor doing extra research outside of your grant application - if it’s important, capture it.

If you are applying to State and/or Australian Government programs, this may include providing basic context such as explaining your geographical location or an overview of the history and impact of your organisation.

Grant Writing Tip #9: Focus On Project Benefits And Impact.

Align the key benefits of your project to the objectives of the grant program (you can find these in the grant guidelines). Have you clearly described the short-term, medium-term and legacy outcomes of your project?

See Tip 6 to tackle this one! Utilising dot points to break down the key benefits or outcomes of your project can help convey this succinctly.

Grant Writing Tip #10: Phone A Friend.

Ask a colleague or friend to read your application before you hit ‘submit’. Give them 10-15 minutes to understand the project and key outcomes. Listen to their feedback and if needed, revisit your application if they’re identified areas that are unclear, or confusing.

Do you have someone in your network you can lean on for an extra set of (objective) eyes? Tap a friend, family member or peer on the shoulder to help with Tip 10!

---

Did you find this guide useful? Do you have any tips to add? Do you have other questions about grants?

Let me know in the comments section below! Thank you for your support.

*Grants in Australia report (2018), page 16.

Three Reasons Why You Should Work With A Professional Grant Writer

One of the most common questions I’m asked by prospective clients and grant writing workshop attendees is:

“Why should I hire a professional grant writer?”

If you’re asking this question too, you’ve come to the right place. With over 12 years’ experience in the grants game, here are my top three reasons why working with a professional grant writer might be a game changer for you in 2024.

Olivia Everitt delivering a grant writing master class ‘The Art of Grant Writing’ to grant seekers on the Fraser Coast (Gataker’s Art Space, Maryborough, December 2023)

---

You’re Not Alone!

As far as we know, only 11% of organisations in Australia are using external grant writers*. But as grants become increasingly more competitive (in just the last fortnight, I’ve seen two grant programs with a success rate of only 3%…ouch!) and staff/volunteer time is already stretched, many organisations are seeking external support to navigate the increasingly complex grants landscape. So, why work with a professional grant writer?

Reason #1: Experience

In a 2018 report commissioned by Our Community, ‘Grants in Australia’, the authors found that “Grant seekers who struggle to win many grants or as much income tend to have far less experience in the grants game” (p20), concluding that “It’s clear from our results that experience breeds a higher hit-rate” (p24).

The ‘hit-rate’, or ‘success rate’ of a professional grant writer is a complex, and at times controversial, measure of a grant writer’s individual skill. Surprisingly, for a professional field that relies heavily on data and research, there is limited literature on the grant writing vocation.

However, it’s been suggested that “the most qualified and experienced writers will achieve approximately 33%, while a rate of 50% is unusual and impressive”**. I’m pleased to have achieved success rates of above 50% on numerous occasions (56% - 2019/20, 62% - 2020/21, 67% - 2022/23), however we need to acknowledge this is not a hard and fast measure of a grant writer’s experience.

To gain an understanding of a grant writer’s experience, you may also like to ask:

Q: What kind of organisations have you worked for previously?

My Answer: Over the last 18 months alone, I’ve supported over 25 individuals, organisations and businesses across a broad range of sectors with grant writing expertise. I have worked with clients from the performing arts sector, not-for-profits and charities, manufacturing industry, community development sector, cultural festivals, chambers of commerce, grassroots sports clubs and everything in between.

I believe the formula and foundational skills to writing successful grants is transferrable across all industries.

Q: As well as writing grant applications, what other experience do you have in the grants landscape?

My Answer: As well as providing end-to-end grant writing services, I have also worked with organisations to develop, deliver and report on grant-funded projects - this includes managing grant funds, completing progress reports and submitting grant acquittals.

As a grant writer, it’s an advantage that I’ve also been involved in the grants assessing process. I have sat on both the Regional Arts Australia peer assessors group (2022-23) and Creative Australia pool of peer assessors (2021-ongoing). Additionally, I offer grant writing workshops!

Reason #2: Research

A great idea does not make a great grant application. This may burst your bubble, but it needs to be emphasised. It doesn’t matter how good your idea is, a good idea doesn’t equal a successful grant application. There’s a substantial amount of legwork that needs to be done before your big idea is ‘grant ready’.

Project plans, timelines, budgets, risk management plans, travel itineraries, letters of support, auspicing arrangements, public liability insurance, marketing strategies, community and stakeholder engagement, co-design…when you work with a professional grant writer, they can help you navigate all the ingredients that go into the the recipe for a successful grant.

A good professional grant writer should also understand the external funding landscape, which (if applying for governmant grants) may include government policies, strategic plans and government priorities relevant to your project, your organisation, and your sector.

Describing the context of your project and crafting compelling responses to grant criteria should be informed by relevant data, evidence and research. A professional grant writer should be highly skilled in identifying, researching and interpreting the most relevant information to strengthen your grant application.

Olivia Everitt delivering a professional development workshop ‘Grant Writing for the Arts’ in the South Burnett (Murgon, February 2023)

Reason #3: Resources

Businesses and organisations are increasingly under the pump when it comes to allocating resources - the people power needed to get the job done. In the grants game, “Organisations of all types say that ‘lack of resources’ is their biggest challenge when it comes to winning grants”***.

Put simply, in today’s busy world, organisations just don’t have the time needed for grant writing. Writing grant applications not only requires a specific skill set, but it’s also time intensive. Organisations may seek the help of a professional grant writer because they don’t have the capacity, time or staff resources to tackle grant writing internally.

Utilising an external grant writer can not only alleviate internal resourcing pressures, but also bring other advantages such as new perspective to your project. A professional grant writer should ask probing questions, identify opportunities to strengthen your project, and can act as an invaluable sounding board.

---

Reminder!

If you’re looking to engage a professional grant writer, please ensure you do your due diligence. This could include asking questions about their experience, how they approach the grant writing process and if necessary, contacting other grant writers for alternative information and quotes to ensure you identify the ‘best fit’ for your grant seeking needs and budget.

---

* “Grants in Australia: The secrets of success - An analysis of a national survey of Australian grantseekers”, Our Community Pty Ltd (August 2018), page 16.

** “Grant Writer Success Rates - The devil’s in the detail”, Thriive Consulting (July 2020).
*** “Grants in Australia: The secrets of success - An analysis of a national survey of Australian grantseekers”, Our Community Pty Ltd (August 2018), page 8.

News from Grant Writing HQ & Bookings for September now open!

My online presence has been low key over the preceding months, but I’m thrilled to share a number of personal and business updates as the end of my maternity leave period approaches (how time flies!). I’ll be officially “back at the desk” from Tuesday 5 September, but in the meantime, enjoy this update on all that’s happened during my family downtime.

I welcome all workshop bookings and client inquiries for September and beyond now, please reach out and I endeavor to contact you within 5-7 business days so that we can discuss your needs and get this into my schedule. Remember, it’s never too early to plan ahead for 2024, particularly if you are seeking grant funding to make the magic happen!

Celebrating Personal News

10 fingers, 10 toes and 6 pound 3 ounces of baby Everitt perfection! Our fourth beautiful bundle arrived at the end of April and she’s already ruling the roost and learning the ropes at business HQ. A special shout out to Kara Santon Photography (Gympie and Sunshine Coast region photographer) for capturing these fleeting early days.

Celebrating Client Success Stories

Grant writing projects at the end of 2022 and start of 2023 came in thick and fast, and I thank those organisations and businesses who chose to work with me. It was fantastic to receive many phone calls during March and April from clients who had secured funding for events, facility improvements, disaster relief programs and business growth plans. My clients during this period secured $907,899.76 in grant funding to support numerous projects - congratulations to you all! It was a pleasure to provide specialist grant writing support to you and I love celebrating these successful grant outcomes with you!

Celebrating Hard Yakka

I was surprised and grateful to receive notification from Deakin University this week that my study achievements are being recognised in this year’s Deakin Business School Prizes. These prizes are awarded each year to students who have achieved the highest academic standard in their work, and I am this year’s recipient of the Best Graduate in the Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management). Thank you, Deakin!

Celebrating New Beginnings

In March I was pleased to be appointed to the Board of Creative Arts Gympie Region. This is a volunteer-run, not-for profit organisation that provides a flexible forum for discussion, development, advocacy and action supporting the arts and artists of the Gympie region. I look forward to taking a much more active role in this organisation on my return from maternity leave!

Celebrating Year 1 of the Blackbutt Arts Strategy

My term as Arts Officer for Blackbutt Avocado Festival wrapped up earlier this year, and it was a privilege to prepare this snapshot (alongside the fabulous team at Push Pull Marketing & PR) of our collective achievements in the first year of activities delivered under the Blackbutt Arts Strategy. You can read more about the Blackbutt Arts Strategy here, and follow the Blackbutt Avocado Festival Facebook page for all things AvoFest, coming up again in September 2023. I wish the organising committee for this year’s festival all the best for a fantastic spring festival!

Grant Writing for the Arts Workshop Series: February Program Recap!

“Olivia is a highly knowledgeable and generous presenter. I found her tips to be most helpful and have so many ideas to apply to for that next grant. This was a really valuable lesson to not take grant rejection as a negative, but as a way to learn and to improve your grant and apply again. Thank you.”

— Workshop Participant, Grant Writing for the Arts

Pictured: Grant Writing for the Arts Workshop underway in Murgon (South Burnett) on 15 February 2023. Image by Nancy Jayde Photography.

Last month I hit the road and visited four communities across the South Burnett and Gympie regions delivering a half-day Grant Writing for the Arts workshop - what a blast! Thank you to the 54 participants who joined me in Goomeri (1 February), Kingaroy (3 February), Gympie (14 February) and Murgon (15 February), it was a pleasure to meet you all and hear your project ideas. Workshop participants ranged from authors to musicians, visual artists to arts therapists, graphic designers, museum managers, festival volunteers and everything in between. Workshops are a fantastic way to learn new skills (or as a refresher) but also to network with other creative practitioners in and around your region. I hope you all got as much out of the workshop as I did!

It’s no secret that I live and breathe data, so I’m pleased to provide the following insights collected from the post-workshop survey:

Workshop attendees also received a two-page resource following the workshop, and development is currently underway to utilise some of this information to create a free downloadable resource that will be available to everyone once the Resources section of my website launches later in the year (watch this space!).

Pictured: Grant Writing for the Arts workshop underway at Gympie Regional Art Gallery on Tuesday 14 February 2023. With thanks to Councillor Bruce Devereaux (Gympie Regional Council) for taking this snap during the session!

“This workshop provided great information and tips to help our organisation to apply for grants for both infrastructure, workshops and special events. Well done.”

— Workshop Participant, Grant Writing for the Arts

“Olivia provided a friendly, supportive environment and her depth of knowledge gave me confidence that this information would valuable and useful. Thank you so much.”

— Workshop Participant, Grant Writing for the Arts

Although this iteration of the workshop series is now complete and the upcoming The Art of Grant Writing workshop session on the Fraser Coast is fully booked, please keep an eye on the Workshops section of my website as new workshops are announced in 2023 and into 2024!

---

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Gympie Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and South Burnett Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Arts community invited to free grant writing workshops in February

Hello, 2023! Nothing says ‘bringing in a brand new year’ than a brand new series of free grant writing workshops! I’m busy working on a detailed reflection on ‘the year that was’ in all things business, grant writing and art projects in 2022, and I look forward to sharing this soon. For now, I’m thrilled to announced this free professional development workshop opportunity for the regional arts and cultural community coming to Goomeri, Kingaroy, Gympie and Murgon in February. If you live and work in the Gympie or South Burnett regions, I’d love to see you there!

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARTS COMMUNITY INVITED TO FREE GRANT WRITING WORKSHOPS IN FEBRUARY

A new series of free grant writing workshops for artists has been announced for the Gympie and South Burnett regions, scheduled to visit four venues in February.

The professional development workshops attracted funding from both Gympie Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund programs, enabling all sessions to be fully subsidised and free for participants to attend.

Imbil-based grant writer, project coordinator and freelance arts worker Olivia Everitt will facilitate the Grant Writing for the Arts workshop in the following communities:

• Wednesday 1 February 11am – 2pm (Goomeri Hall of Memory)

• Friday 3 February 12-3pm (Kingaroy Town Hall Reception Room)

• Tuesday 14 February 1-4pm (Gympie Regional Gallery Workshop Space)

• Wednesday 15 February 11am – 2pm (The Platform, Murgon)

Mrs. Everitt said, “I’m excited to host this workshop in Goomeri, Kingaroy, Gympie and Murgon next month. I have over 10 years’ experience in preparing grant applications for artists, organisations, festivals and projects in the arts and cultural sector, so this is an opportunity to share tried and tested methods to attract grant funding with participants. Having lived and worked in both the South Burnett and Gympie regions since 2017, I’m passionate about seeing increased investment in our local creative talent.”

The Grant Writing for the Arts workshop will be offered in four locations to increase its accessibility, and is recommended for artists, arts organisations, festivals, event managers, arts workers and creative businesses. No prior grant writing experience is necessary.

Registration is now open at www.oliviaeveritt.com/workshops or call 0432 556 830 to secure a place at your preferred workshop location.

For further information or comment, please contact Olivia Everitt on 0432 556 830 or projects@oliviaeveritt.com

END OF RELEASE

---

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Gympie Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and South Burnett Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

May Business Announcements!

As we creep closer towards the end of another financial year, the month of May - which is Queensland Small Business Month - seems like a perfect time to share a number of exciting project updates and announcements in relation to my business!

The BIG news:

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve commenced a new contract with the good folk at Blackbutt Avocado Festival, where you’ll find me riding the avo-bus as Arts Project Officer two days a week until mid-2022. This new position has been made possible with thanks to funding from FRRR’s Tackling Tough Times Together program. You’ll still catch me in my role at BIEDO (Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation) for the next six weeks, before I’ll be hanging up my Economic Development hat to focus on my new Festival role and the completion of my Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management). It has been a joy and a privilege to work with the BIEDO team over the last 3.5 years, including my most recent contract as Economic Development Officer.

More EXCITING stuff:

I’ll be delivering two free grant writing workshops in the month of May in my role with BIEDO, which have been kindly sponsored by the Burnett Mary Regional Group. Both workshops are suitable for small business operators, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals seeking funding. Here’s everything you need to know:

• Tuesday 18 May 10am - 12:30pm @ Blackbutt Memorial Hall: Grant Writing & Project Planning Fundamentals, register here.

• Tuesday 25 May 10am - 12:30pm @ Wondai Regional Art Gallery (Studio): Unpacking Budgets for Grant Writing & Project Planning, register here.

Progress also continues on Stage 2 of my Cultural Resource Mapping project, ‘South Burnett Arts & Cultural Ecosystem Mapping Mentorship’ - there is much to unpack here and I will share a dedicated blog article in regards to this project shortly, with the online map anticipated to be ‘live’ in June. Watch this space!

This project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.

The CHERRY on top:

This month I was also pleased to be appointed to the Pool of Peers for a three-year term by the Australia Council for the Arts. I am honoured to have this opportunity to contribute as a Peer Assessor from 2021-24.

Please note that my books are currently closed to new clients, and I look forward to sharing further announcements in regards to this at the end of the financial year. I look forward to sharing more project updates in the near future!

2021 Project Updates

2021 is off with a bang - and it’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of the first quarter! I’m pleased to share a number of updates regarding recent and upcoming projects in what has been an exciting start to the new year.

Recent Highlights:

• South Burnett Arts Hour: The final session of South Burnett Arts Hour was held in November 2020 with special guest Alicia Melonie Jones to discuss effective engagement strategies for community and cultural consultation. Throughout 2020 it was an absolute pleasure to work with the South Burnett Arts Inc. team to coordinate eight of these online sessions and I would like again extend a warm thank you to all guests who gave their time to join us online. If you would like to catch up, all recordings are available on my Vimeo channel here.

• South Burnett Cultural Resource Mapping: hot off the press! A snapshot report of findings from this research project is now available to read here. This project was supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, and I’m pleased to announce that I was recently awarded further funding from the Regional Arts Fund to undertake a ‘stage two’ of this project, to create an interactive online map using the data set that was collated last year. More on this soon!

• Red Earth Community Leadership Program: It was an honour to participate in the 2021 RECLP across two modules in February and March at the Bunya Mountains. Six days of self and professional development in one of the most beautiful locations in Queensland nourished my soul, filled my tool box and connected me with some incredible people from across the Burnett Inland. Thank you to Stanwell who sponsored me to take part in this unique opportunity to invest in myself, and also to the Red Earth Community Leadership Foundation Board and volunteers who made it happen.

• South Burnett Australia Day Awards: I was the proud recipient of the South Burnett Senior Cultural Award announced at this year’s Australia Day Awards ceremony held in Wondai. I also received a nomination for South Burnett Citizen of the Year - what a privilege to be recognised and a joy to live and work in this region!
  

Stay well and I look forward to connecting again soon!

Fully Booked for 2020 - September Updates

It’s official….!

With a huge thank you to the clients who have supported me this year - at this stage I’m at capacity and unable to take new clients for the next four months. I am welcoming enquiries for projects from February 2021 - click here to email me today as there is limited availability.

It has been a busy two months since my last update and I’m pleased to share the following highlights:

• CQ RASN Residency: The art trail exhibition wrapped up on 31 August - for more information view the project page here, or check out the project from A to B on my Instagram feed. With thanks again to the team at CQ RASN, my fellow artists-in-residence and the eight exhibiting businesses in Kingaroy (Wards Electrical, Crowies Paints, Raine & Horne, South Burnett Today, Fitzpatrick Optometrists, Cake’a’licious, Helloworld Travel and Andersson’s Fruit Market) for enabling this project to happen.
  

• Cultural Resource Mapping Project: Two surveys to assist with data collection are currently open - individual artists can take the survey here, or representatives from arts, cultural and community groups and organisations can take the survey here. The survey will close on Sunday 11 October. Further information can be viewed on the project page here.

• BIEDO: I’ve enjoyed working on a number of projects with the team at the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organization over the last three years and I'm thrilled to be stepping into a extended role as an Economic Development Officer. I always welcome the opportunity to hit the road with BIEDO and it was fantastic to visit the North Burnett communities of Gayndah, Eidsvold, Monto and Mundubbera last month in our travels. Next week I’ll also be facilitating a grant writing and project planning fundamentals workshop online which is a great opportunity for individuals, community groups and small businesses (free but RSVP essential here)

The month ahead will also bring the last of my assessment for my postgraduate studies this year. After a welcome break, I’ll be heading back in March 2021 to complete my final three units next year.

Stay well and I look forward to connecting again soon!

July Updates & Art Trail Exhibition Announced!

July has been another huge month at the desk, and I’m excited to share a number of significant announcements and highlights as we enter the new Financial Year:

• New project announcement: As announced by Minister Enoch earlier this month, I am one of 67 Queensland artists/arts workers to be awarded funding support through the Individuals Fund. This funding will enable me to undertake a four-month mentorship and Cultural Resource Mapping project for the South Burnett region, to identify and record community and cultural facilities, arts and cultural groups, volunteers and individual artists, festivals, heritage sites and local businesses operating within the cultural or creative industries. More information coming soon!
  This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
  

• South Burnett Arts: At the South Burnett Arts Inc. annual general meeting at the end of June, I was thrilled to be elected President for the 2020/21 year. I’d like to thank and acknowledge outgoing President Jane Iszlaub, who has led and guided the organisation since its inception in 2009. Big shoes to fill! We also hosted the fifth South Burnett Arts Hour online event earlier this week - if you missed our chat with special guest Simon Cotton, you can view the recording here. South Burnett Arts Hour has now moved to a monthly format, with the next session to be held via Zoom on Tuesday 18 August, 12-1pm.
  

• Masters progress: I completed the ‘Arts Marketing’ unit as part of my Master of Business (Arts & Cultural Management) with Deakin University, finishing with a High Distinction at 97% (!), and commenced ‘Financial Interpretation’ last week, which will keep me buried in accounting figures until exams in mid-October.
  

• CQ RASN residency: As previously announced, in June I received funding support from CQ RASN to undertake a month’s residency ‘at home’, and I used this time to create a new body of work encompassing digital collage pieces. Eight of the works created as a result of the residency will be exhibited across local businesses located in Kingaroy’s CBD from next Wednesday 29 July through to Monday 31 August. Read more here and follow the art trail map below!

You can read more about what I’ve been up to in this article from South Burnett Online:
Olivia Takes Art to Heart | July 2, 2020

More to come next month - including the launch of the new Services tab on my website!

Reflection: End of Financial Year

As June slips away, it’s almost time to say goodbye to the 2019/20 Financial Year! Despite the turbulence of COVID-19, I’d like to celebrate the good stuff and share some recent insights:

As we head into July, I’m also preparing (with much excitement!) to launch the new ‘Services’ tab on my website, with a new, simplified pricing structure and list of professional services available to you and your organisation.

I’m currently taking inquiries for the new Financial Year - if you’re looking for support during July-November please do get in touch before I’m fully booked! I would like to thank all my clients, both ongoing and new, who have chosen to work with me over the last Financial Year and I look forward to supporting you into the future!

My residency with CQ RASN as part of the artist ‘at home’ residency program has also continued throughout this month (new art works pictured above). I’ll be sharing further reflections on my experience during this time on the Tough and Tender Beauty Round 2 blog shortly, before the residency period wraps up on Friday 3 July. Later in July, I’ll be exhibiting some art works created during this time at a number of Kingaroy businesses - further information coming soon!

To make it even easier to find out what I’m up to, including works in progress from the Tough and Tender Beauty residency, you can now follow me on Instagram (@oliviaeverittprojects) and LinkedIn:

The fourth session of South Burnett Arts Hour was held on Tuesday and it was fantastic to hear from Lisa Stephenson (Manager - Cultural Services, Fraser Coast Regional Council) about the role of the arts in the Maryborough CBD revitalisation project over the last few years, as well as the recently opened Mary Poppins Story Bank Museum. I’d also like to say a big ‘thank you!’ to my fellow CQ RASN artists-in-residence Nanette Blanchin, Peta Lloyd, Katina Olsen and Jodie van de Wetering for joining in and sharing so openly about their residency projects. A recording of the session will be available shortly here.

South Burnett Arts Hour will return on Tuesday 21 July 12-1pm - stay tuned for details!

Lastly, I’d like to draw attention to a couple of news items coming out of the arts sector:

• Announced today! $250 million announced by the Morrison Government to support the arts industry across a number of schemes, including $75 million in competitive grants to support festivals, live performance, touring etc. Press release here - this is one to watch!
  

• Queensland Government Arts & Cultural Recovery Package: $22.5 million support to the arts sector to be rolled out over the next 2 years, including $2.9 million for local Councils, artists, organisations and festivals to invest in new arts products and experiences and enhance cultural tourism. More information here - first funding to be open for applications from 1 July 2020.
  

• Regional Arts Fund Recovery Boost: Once-off investment of $10 million for regional arts from the Australian Government. Three streams of funding available with short, medium and long term support on offer which will be administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance through the Regional Arts Fund. First funding open for applications from 1 July 2020 and progressively rolled out from there - read more here.

More to come!
Olivia

Special Announcement: Artist Residency with CQ RASN

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve been selected as one of eight Central Queensland artists to take part in CQ RASN’s artist ‘at home’ residency program for the month of June!

This is the second round in the Tough and Tender Beauty program and runs from 8 June - 3 July. With funding support from CQ RASN, I’ll be creating a new body of work this month which will be an opportunity to reflect on my experiences during the ongoing COVID-19 situation and associated physical isolation. The residency program also includes a program of professional development opportunities and weekly networking with the other artists.

You can follow along with this project in the following ways:

• CQ RASN’s Facebook or Instagram @cq_rasn

• Tough and Tender beauty blog - you can read my first post about my progress here, and check out what the other artists are up. I’ll be contributing another 2 blogs during the course of the residency program.

• My new Instagram account @oliviaeverittprojects. I’ve been a long term Instagram user, but this residency presented the perfect opportunity to tick ‘build social media presence’ off my business battle board. I would love for you to follow me to stay in the loop about the residency, and also other projects coming online in the near future!

I also wanted to note that South Burnett Arts Hour is continuing this month, with the third session under our belt earlier this week with special guests Mayor Brett Otto and Melinda Jones. The next session is penciled in for Tuesday 23 June 12-1pm with details due to be released shortly. Thank you to South Burnett Arts for partnering with me on this project and to BIEDO for enabling these sessions to take place via Zoom. You can catch the recording from the session held on 9 June here.

Reflecting on May: South Burnett Arts Hour

May has come and gone already and it was a flat chat month here at HQ! Thank you to my clients and program partners for your ongoing support, both those who are new and the ones who can’t get rid of me!

Here’s a few of my highlights from the last four weeks:

• New program launched - South Burnett Arts Hour. As one of many measures in response to COVID-19, galleries remained closed, performances cancelled and opportunities to meet face-to-face were limited throughout May. I teamed up with South Burnett Arts to develop and present a new online program for the South Burnett arts community, enabling access to relevant guest speakers and providing a platform for local, informal networking.
  
  You can read more about South Burnett Arts Hour and view the recordings here.

• New clients - providing grants support. As part of my range of professional services, I offer support throughout the grant writing process; from mapping out grant opportunities for your project, taking care of the writing for you from go to whoa, or providing a grants review before you hit submit. It was fantastic to work with new clients throughout May to support their grant writing endeavors!
  

• Celebrating Queensland Small Business Month with BIEDO. During May I continued to support the work of the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO), which includes the development of their monthly e-newsletters to their network, the BIEDO Burst.

The next South Burnett Arts Hour session will be held on Tuesday 9 June from 12-1pm. More details coming soon!

Program announcement: South Burnett Arts Hour

It’s been six weeks since I shared Navigating COVID-19 in the Arts, and there have been a great number of challenges and shifts in the sector during that time as the Coronavirus situation continues to unfold.

From the initial shock and overwhelm of #canceleverything, to sector-wide advocacy and calls for a comprehensive industry support package through the #CreateAustraliasFuture campaign, we’re now seeing a phase of adaption and innovation by artists and arts organisations to stay creative and connected with audiences during this time. However, for many in the industry it continues to be a time of economic and personal uncertainty. There is some respite on the horizon with schemes such as JobKeeper, and it’s also been encouraging to see a $27 million Federal Government injection into the sector, which includes $10 million for Regional Arts Australia, to be administered through the Regional Arts Fund.

In new closer to home, I’m thrilled to announce a pilot South Burnett Arts Hour program for artists, arts volunteers and arts enthusiasts living and creating in the South Burnett region. Please stay connected with our creative community during this time, and join me during your lunch break next Tuesday 5 May from 12-1pm for an opportunity to talk shop with other artists via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84972221887

This program is presented in partnership with South Burnett Arts. You can let us know you’re coming via the Facebook event and we encourage you to share this event with anyone in your network who may be interested in participating. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

Navigating COVID-19 in the Arts

In a time of global uncertainty due to the COVID-19 crisis, arts and cultural organisations and the broader creative industries sector are facing numerous and overwhelming challenges. From widespread event and festival cancellations that include industry juggernauts Dark Mofo and Vivid, to some organisations closing their doors entirely, we are in uncharted waters - but we are in them together.

Numerous arts bodies and advocacy groups such as the MEAA (Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance) are joining the call for sector support during this time, and we have seen the first announcement on arts sector support on a State level trickle through this morning (see below). Also, if you haven’t seen this already, Tony Burke MP delivered this powerful press conference on Saturday. Preach, Tony!

How is the arts industry responding to COVID-19? Here are some resources you can check out*:

• Queensland Government to assist arts sector through COVID-19 crisis (Press Release - 18 March 2020): Read the latest announcements from the Palaszczuk Government here.

• Support Act Wellbeing Helpline: 1800 959 500. Free and confidential 24 hour support via phone for those in the music industry. There is also crisis funding available that you can apply for online.

• I Lost My Gig Australia: Data collection initiative tracking economic impacts of COVID-19 on the arts, hospitality, media and entertainment industries as a result of event cancellations. Share how your event/s have been impacted here.

• National Association for the Visual Arts: NAVA released this Industry Advisory Note earlier this week and they are asking for responses to the COVID-19 arts impacts survey.

• Performing Arts Connections Australia: PAC Australia have partnered with Art Lands 2020 to distribute a COVID-19 impacts survey specifically for performing arts centres in Australia.

• Institute of Community Directors: Epidemic/Pandemic Policy Template for organisations.

• Museums & Galleries QLD: M&G QLD are encouraging all volunteer-run museums and galleries to close to the public. Read their COVID-19 Response here.

• ArtsHub - Coronavirus Australian arts event cancellations, state by state: Read about which industry events and festivals have been cancelled or postponed across the country.

*Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive, but rather provides a starting point for you to identify information most relevant to you and your professional/personal circumstances.

March Highlights

I would also like to share two highlights from earlier this month. March saw the completion of the Human Resource Management unit as part of my studies with Deakin University, bringing it home with an overall grade of 87% (High Distinction). I’m very pleased with this result and I’ve now commenced the next unit on my course path - Arts Marketing.

March is also the host month of Queensland Women’s Week & International Women’s Day. It was a privilege to represent the South Burnett Women Committee at Kumbia Kindergarten’s International Women’s Day Luncheon, and announce the recipient of the 2020 Dr Ellen Mary Kent Hughes Scholarship. Since 2016 this bursary program has offered $5,000 each year to a South Burnett woman pursuing tertiary education. This year’s recipient was Victoria Almond from Maidenwell, who worked hard in an Applied Science course last year to increase her GPA and achieve entry into UQ’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science program in 2020. Tori will be studying for the next five years to obtain her qualification and this scholarship can be used as per the recipients’ needs - accommodation costs (which can be significant for rural families), textbooks, laptop etc.

2020 Scholarship partners include Red Earth Community Foundation, AGL Energy, Bega Cheese & Dr Mark Radford - without them this wouldn’t be possible! Congratulations Tori, so well deserved.

Read more here:
Everyday Heroes - Rural women inspire at kindy event via the South Burnett Times (9th March 2020)

Dr Ellen Mary Kent Hughes 2020 Scholarship receipient Victoria Almond (left), and South Burnett Women Committee Member Olivia Everitt (right). Image courtesy of South Burnett Women.

Meet Olivia!

Hello, I’m Olivia and I’m the face behind this one-woman microbusiness, working with and supporting community, business and government through a range of consulting services focused on Projects, Planning, and Funding (view the range of professional services available here).

I live in the beautiful South Burnett region in Queensland, located just a click of the mouse away, or 2.5 hours from Brisbane. Previously based in Cairns and Brisbane, I now call Kingaroy home alongside my family - my husband, our three young children, a naughty black Labrador and four chickens. After completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) in 2010, I’m currently studying a Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) with Deakin University, on track (fingers crossed!) to complete at the end of 2021.

At the end of 2019, I found myself so busy working in my business, that working on my business dropped so far down the priority list, that it tumbled off altogether (can you relate?)!

I’ve set myself a number of business development goals for 2020 and I’m looking forward to sharing my progress through regular blog updates.

February - reflecting on some of the highlights from ‘the month that was’:

• Created a Grants Pipeline for a not-for-profit client, mapping upcoming government grant opportunities and corporate sponsorship options suitable for their goals and deliverables

• Submitted two scholarship applications to support my postgraduate studies (Sue Nattrass Scholarship - Masters, and the Centre for Women & Co Scholarship Fund)

• Submitted a fellowship application to the National Regional Arts Fellowship program to support a professional development/mentorship opportunity

• Traveled to Gayndah for a client meeting (have I mentioned how much I love the North Burnett? My last time in Gayndah was a family visit to their annual Orange Festival, what a hoot!)

Podcasts that are ‘striking a chord’, or next on my playlist:

• Creative Responders: “A new podcast that explores the power of arts and culture in disaster preparedness and recovery” - listen here.
  

• NAVA in Conversation: Episode 51: “Cr Jess Scully in conversation with Penelope Benton about the importance of having more creative people in politics and in government and how to get involved at a local level.” - listen here.
  

• Starving Artist: Episode 1: “Five years ago Tom Dickins did something that many people would find stupid: on the back of advice from his friend Amanda Palmer, he decided to quit his job and, without savings, live off his art. He had no plan, no idea, but a lot of enthusiasm and resourcefulness.” - listen here.

2020: Recent project updates

Delivering BIEDOs’s Grant-ED 101: Creating a "grant ready” project workshop in Eidsvold in the North Burnett during September 2019. Image courtesy of BIEDO (Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation).

And just like that, 2020 is off and racing! The last couple of months of 2019 were exceptionally busy and I loved every moment. Here’s a snapshot of what I got up to around the South and North Burnett regions:

• September: Facilitated Grant-ED 101: Creating a "grant ready” project workshops in the communities of Blackbutt (South Burnett) and Eidsvold (North Burnett)

• September: Provided business planning support for the team behind the Maidenwell Country Muster and The Sauce Man QLD

• September-October: Coordinated a three day school holiday workshop with youth in Murgon (South Burnett), revitalizing a public community space with facilitating artist Kane Brunjes. Over the three days we had 67 community members (some as young as 3 years old!) pick up a paint brush and join in. This project was made possible by the support of South Burnett Regional Council, South Burnett PCYC and the Regional Arts Fund.

• October: Discussed business plans and cash flow forecasting at BIEDO’s Taking Care of Burnett Inland Business workshop in Murgon (South Burnett)

• October: Completed the Arts Fundraising & Sponsorship unit as part of my studies with Deakin University to obtain a Master of Business (Arts & Cultural Management)

• November: Commenced the Human Resource Management unit as part of my studies, currently on track to complete my Masters by end-2021.

• December: Hit “submit” on the last grant application for 2019. By my calculations, this was application #16 for the year, with applications written for a number of clients, as well as seeking support the Murgon Youth Public Art Project.

Murgon Youth Public Art Project in September-October 2019, revitalizing the Lamb Street amenities block through three days of community art workshops. With participants ranging from age 3 - 15, it was a busy three days - pictured here with facilitating artist Kane Brunjes (left) and three workshop attendees. Image courtesy of Cr. Kathy Duff.

I would like to extend my gratitude to my valued clients, project partners and collaborators who supported my business during 2019. I can’t wait to see what 2020 brings!

Taking final inquiries for 2019!

I’ve had the privilege of working with some fantastic not-for-profit organisations, community groups, businesses and local government this year and my availability for 2019 is ALMOST entirely snapped up. If you would like to work together then I have some space left in November & December before I will be fully booked for the year!

Thank you to all the clients, partners and supporters who have come along for the ride this year and if you would like to work together in 2020, please get in touch now!

Workshop announcement: Blackbutt!

Back by popular demand, next month I’ll be facilitating another Creating a “grant ready” project workshop as part of the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation’s Grant-ED program (thanks to BIEDO for coordinating and for inviting me to facilitate this session!).

Workshop announcement: Grant-ED 101: Creating a “grant ready” project

Cost? Free!

When? Tuesday 10th September (tea & coffee provided)

Where? Bunya Nut Cafe (Bistro Room), 39 Coulson Street BLACKBUTT

RSVP your attendance to community@biedo.org.au or 0400 695 456

Share this event with your network via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/3196075583743434/

Image courtesy of BIEDO

Recap: Grant-ED 101 with BIEDO in Biggenden

Last month I headed to Biggenden with Team BIEDO to facilitate the “Grant-ED 101: Creating a ‘grant ready’ project” workshop for community and small business. It was my first visit to the North Burnett since taking the family to the Gayndah Orange Festival and it didn’t disappoint - we stopped along the way for road side pumpkins and to chat to the crew droving a mob of over 1300 head cattle through the region (6 months on the road and counting).

Image: Roadside pumpkins direct from the farm gate near Coalstoun Lakes

The workshop attracted small business owners, volunteers from community groups and representatives from the not-for-profit sector who traveled from around the North and South Burnett and as far as Bundaberg to attend - a big thank you to those who attended and to BIEDO for inviting me to take part.

Image: Facilitating the Grant-ED 101 workshop in Biggenden on 31st July. Image courtesy of BIEDO