NSW Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation
Office of the Director-General

Message from the Director-General,
Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation
to the NSW arts community

I am writing to you in relation to the 2009 Cultural Grants Program.

The review of the Cultural Grants Program released earlier this year recommended reforms covering all aspects of the Program from its strategic framework, to application and assessment processes.

Given the scope of the suggested changes, it was at first considered necessary to operate through a transitional process. Having reviewed progress to date, however, it has now been determined that we will be in a position to introduce the major changes more quickly, thereby removing the need for organisations to go through a transitional phase.

There will be many benefits to the arts community from the introduction of the new Program including significantly simplified application and assessment processes. The Department of the Arts, Sport and Recreation is currently finalising the guidelines, application forms, assessment and contracting processes. Arts NSW will be advising other funding bodies, including the Australia Council of the new arrangements so that there is no disruption to existing contracts.

The new guidelines will be released in the near future and applicants will be given six weeks to prepare and lodge their applications. During this period the Department will run briefing sessions in metropolitan and regional locations on the new process. The material from these sessions will also be available on the web site for anyone who is unable to attend a session.

From Monday, 21 July 2008 organisations will be able to access regular updates at Arts NSW’s website www.arts.nsw.gov.au.

Please be assured that the Government is committed to maintaining the level of funds available under the Cultural Grants Program and ensuring the arts community receives effective Government support.

Yours faithfully

Carol Mills
Director-General
16 July 2008