APPLICATIONS
My project is stop-motion animation. Is this eligible for the Creative Producer category?
Yes, animations projects are eligible. You could apply under the Visual Arts or Creative Producers category.
My project is a live performance so my portfolio is made up of text and imagery in the form of a mood board. Is this the 'wrong' type of portfolio?
That’s absolutely fine. If you have any images or videos from previous work or performances then do include this also. Your portfolio is a chance to visually engage us in your work so, if light on content, perhaps consider talking about the project to camera.
I couldn't make the London seminar – will any of the details be made available?
We will be providing further advice in the form of editorial features on IdeasTap in advance of the deadline. There won’t be a specific write-up of the seminars.
As this is for individual applicants, would it be a good idea for to become the producer of the project and to apply as a producer?
Yes, that’s fine.
My project will be developed throughout residencies in the UK and other countries but the final piece will be presented in the UK. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, you are eligible to apply as long as the final piece will be presented in the UK.
What is Sky Arts looking for in a play submission and/or an applicant who wants to win the grant?
We want you to show us what we’re looking for. Tell us how this fund will help take your writing to the next level and communicate your skills and ideas clearly and with panache!
Have you published winners’ applications from previous rounds?
No, because it’s very much down to the individual, and the portfolios play an important part. There isn’t a secret formula but being enthusiastic and hardworking are definitely two important traits.
Should I emphasise other artists and shows that will be involved in or benefit from the project?
You have an opportunity to talk about where your work sits within the UK and Irish cultural landscape in Question 3: ‘Outline your long-term ambitions and reference why you want to contribute to the UK and Ireland’s cultural life’. In the rest of the application, focus on you as an individual.
Are you looking for single projects only? I have several projects in development.
In your application, focus on one project in particular. It’s fine for you to have other on-going projects at the same time.
If you’ve applied previously can you apply again?
Yes, it’s fine to apply again but we’d recommend you don’t just submit the same application.
I am severely dyslexic and writing is one of my biggest issues. Are there any allowances for dyslexia with the applications?
We understand some people are better at writing than others, which is why the portfolios play such a big part. Your portfolio is your chance to engage us in your work visually – if you struggle with writing, why not film yourself talking about your project? Every applicant’s portfolio is looked at; it’s not solely down to the application form.
What sort of film projects would be included in Visual Arts?
This round of the Fund isn’t aimed at filmmakers looking for a commission or to create a feature or short film but we will welcome submissions from video artists and fine artists who use film as a medium in the Visual Arts category.
We want to create a production based on a book – is that ok?
It’s absolutely fine as long as you obtain the relevant rights.
Are students allowed to apply?
Yes, but the fund can’t go towards a degree show or student fees etc.
BUDGETS
We received quite a few questions about tax. You don’t get taxed on the bursary as a whole but it’s case dependent on how much income you pay yourself and whether you’re self-employed, etc. There are lots of variables so we plan to issue guidelines. We’ll notify followers of the brief when this happens.
Would receipts for living expenses need to be provided on completion of the project (and what qualifies as living expenses)?
You don’t need to provide receipts for living expenses but you’ll be asked to provide a report showing the progress of your project/budget before receiving each payment (you receive the money in three tranches).
Could the bursary be used to bring a group in for training, or would this cost have to come from somewhere else?
If you can justify why it’s integral to the project then this would be ok.
Do you need to detail the cost of every material in the budget?
No, we understand there will be an element of estimation involved.
My project may cost more than the £30,000, so when it comes to the budget should I only include how I would spend the Sky Arts money?
You need to budget for the whole project. It’s fine for your project to cost more than £30,000, however the Fund does need to be the largest amount of money from any one funder. We understand you might not yet have other funding secured, so just indicate the types of additional funders you would approach.
Is there a limit on how much money could be spent on travel costs?
There isn’t a limit, as long as you can justify the cost.
Can I just put an estimation about travel fees?
Yes that’s fine, as at this stage your budget only needs to be an estimate.
What kind of stuff do I need to include for my budget – writers/performers fees? Script editing?
You need to convey that you have a grasp of how much the project is going to cost and how you would allocate the £30,000 so, yes, please do include writers/performers fees etc.
I have a few ideas I’d like to research and write with this money - should I outline this in the presentations? And how specific do budgets need to be?
Please just submit your application form and then show us your work/inspirations etc. in your portfolio. At this stage, your budget only needs to be an estimate but must be focused on one project only.
PROJECTS
Does Sky want advertisements to be displayed during the production and/or on programme?
Only in the way you would credit any major supporter, e.g. “supported by Sky Arts Ignition: Futures Fund”.
Would the production have to be totally free to the public for its premiere while under the Ignition fund?
No, it’s fine to charge admission.
If I win, do I have to work only on the project I’m applying with for a whole year?
No, we understand many artists have lots of projects on at one time.
Can this funding only be used for a person, not an organisation?
The funding is for an individual only but we understand you may be part of a company or working with collaborators. It is fine for the people you work with to benefit financially.
Is the fund meant to support artistic practice in general for a year, or can it solely be used for one particular project?
Focus on one project in your application, but we would hope the fund would benefit the development of your creative practice as a whole.
Would we be able to 'use' our mentor for all types of advice, i.e. on the artistic material itself as well as more practical aspects, such as marketing?
Your mentoring relationship is something that’s shaped on an individual basis. In Question 7 of the application form, please outline what you would hope to get out of the mentoring relationship.
Read our application need-to-know.
Read our previous Futures Fund online Q&A.
Read the full forum.
