1. Read the application form and guidelines carefully. The newest version is available on the Arts Nova Scotia website.
  2. Brush up on our policies. You can find all of our policies and collected resources on things like Cultural Appropriation and Indigenous Arts Protocols here.
  3. When in doubt, ask. The program officer can answer any questions you may have about the application process. Do not wait until the last minute. Make sure to get in touch well before the deadline. It is helpful to write down your questions in advance.
  4. Clarify your idea. Every strong application has a clear idea.  Write in short and simple sentences. Avoid general and vague statements. Read through your application and ask these questions:
    1. What is your project? Start with your specific idea and description of your project.  Remember why will come later. When we talk about “projects,” we mean the specific part of a larger project. You may be able to apply for distinct parts of the same work overtime. for example, you could apply to workshop a play in one deadline and apply in the next deadline to present the play publicly. Knowing exactly what you want the money for will help you write a stronger application.
    2. When will your project take place? Every project should have a detailed timeline outlining tasks and milestones from start to finish. 
    3. Where will your project take place? Do you have confirmation from your venue? Do you plan on travelling?
    4. How will you realize your project? It is important to have a detailed budget. Ask for what you need. We do not award partial funding.  
    5. Why is your project important? Write about your motivations, influences, and inspirations.  How would this work fit in, or add to current work within the discipline and subject matter? What new ideas or views does it provide? Financial need, illness and personal misfortune are not reasons for grant support.
  5. Know that you are writing your application for other artists, who will be serving as the Peer Assessment Committee (PAC). The PAC changes with each deadline.
  6. Pay careful attention to your choice of support material. Annotate your support material to offer context for the PAC.  Pay close attention to the guidelines for support material.
  7. Assume nothing. The PAC assesses applications on merit of the project, artistic merit of the support material, and ability of the applicant to carry out the project.  They look only at the information provided, not what they already know about you.
  8. Use provided application forms. Members of the PAC have many applications to read and assess so it is helpful that each application is consistent.  
  9. Read, re-read and revise. Grammatical errors, spelling mistakes and uneven formatting can detract from a strong application. Ask a peer to read over your application before sending. 
  10. Reflect. An unsuccessful application is a chance to learn.  Make sure you ask the program officer for feedback from the PAC.

(version française)