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Delivering the requirements of the project:
This is a really
important part of any proposal. Exactly what is the project? Describe
what you intend to and how you are you going to do it. What kinds
of activities may take place and with whom, where or what will
you engage with? When will the project take place? Write yourself a
timeline, showing what sorts of activity will happen when.
You should also describe what the outcomes will be. For example,
what will be produced by the end of the project? If at this stage
you are not sure, it is oK to say that the process of investigation
will lead to a more conclusive idea about what will be produced. It
is, however, a good idea to make suggestions and also to include
images/examples of other work, and examples of the methodology
that you intend to use to carry out your project.
Think about resources:
How much money will your proposal cost? Do
a break down, including charges from other suppliers and resource
providers. Make it clear if there are other people you’ll need to work
with in order to carry out the project, and if so who are they and
how you will access them? What equipment will you need and
where will you get it from? Do you need rooms/space for your project?
And how will you promote the project – do you need an advertising
strategy? And if fundraising is needed, how do you intend to go
about this? Can you get sponsorship or support in kind?
risks and health and safety:
Do a risk assessment by identifying
any known risks that could affect your ability to carry out the project.
Then set out alternative solutions if any of those risk factors were to
take place, concentrating on the areas of highest risk. This may be
as simple as a trip hazard from an electric wire or consent slips for
photographs, to failure to raise funds/identify professional partners.
images:
Include images/diagrams/plans where appropriate. If you
have logos/advertising materials for your project (even if these are
working documents) these should also be included in the proposal.
Create mock-ups where you can – show the work on site if possible.
Help the selection panel to see your vision.
The pain of rejection:
If after all that hard work you aren’t selected,
don’t despair. Remember that an unsuccessful application doesn’t
necessarily mean you had a bad idea. There can be all sorts of
reasons why you were not chosen: logistics, short or wrong resources,
personal preference of the selection team. And the hard work you put
into this application and the development of your idea is not wasted:
keep the idea on the back burner, and see if it can be adapted for
another opportunity.
Emily Campbell is an artist, designer and educator, with extensive
experience of large-scale art works in the public realm and within
healthcare settings.
After you graduate you’ll chase
opportunities and in doing so
you’ll have to define yourself and
your practicewithwords over
and over again. Each time you
do that, the last thing youwrote
will make you shudder. That’s
fine – you’re getting better! You
won’t be a newgraduate for long,
so seek out all the opportunities
that are specifically for you, such
as residencies that will help you
meet people. People are really
important – theywill make you
do things.
Bethan LloydWorthington.