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.

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!

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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:

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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:

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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

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!

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.

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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!)

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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).

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 facilitat…

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!

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

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

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

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

Workshop announcement: Creating a "grant ready" project

I’m pleased to be teaming up with Kristy Frahm (CEO, Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation) to co-facilitate this workshop as part of BIEDO’s Grant-ED program. If you’re in or around the Burnett Inland, I would love to see you there!

This free workshop is for community groups, not-for-profits, entrepreneurs, businesses and individuals who are looking to be "grant ready"! This workshop in the Grant-ED series will look at developing an idea or project from A to B, so that you're prepared when the next grant opportunity arises.

If you're new to grant writing, looking to hone your grant writing skills, or maybe you've experienced "grant burn out" following a last minute grant application - this workshop will add some tips and tricks to your tool kit before your next submission!

Cost? Free!

When? Thursday 13th June 9 - 11:30am (morning tea provided)

Where? 80 Gore Street, Murgon (BIEDO HQ)

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/2177686708979114/

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