DYCParty – Get that application done!

A session to help you develop and write your DYCP application.

Round 16 of Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) is currently open and will close on 17 January 2023. This session is here to offer you support on a project or application you’re working on for Arts Council England’s Developing Your Creative Practice.

How does it work?
We’ll start at 11am with a chat about your plan – what are you applying for? What do you want to do?
We’ll then look at what you want to get out of the session. It could be:
Tidying up your ‘in progress’ application, e.g. hitting that word count while staying on track or making sure you’ve answered the question.

• Structuring an R&D plan
• Setting a budget
• Working on your bio

We’ll then get cracking on your application. We’ll use the Pomodoro Technique to get focused. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.

• 25 mins: Work time! Get writing, making notes, hatching a plan!5 min break
• 25 mins: Work time!
• 1pm – 1:45pm LUNCH Break
• 25 mins: Work time!
• 5 min break
• 25 mins: Work time!

We’ll spend the final hour (3-4pm) reviewing what we’ve done and planning the next steps.

How we can help

Throughout, Harry, Catherine and Claire will be on hand to answer questions or provide a soundboard for ideas. You will also be able to work through your ideas with other attendees.

Harry Clayton-Wright

Developing new performance work: “Getting the DYCP gave me much needed space to interrogate my practice with incredible artist mentors who generously offered brilliant insights into their career journeys and learnings. It also provided the precious gift of time to both reflect and look forward with my brilliant producer where we we able to strategically plan and plot.”

Claire Walmsley-Griffiths

Growing a socially engaged photography practice: Claire’s DYCP focused on using her existing relationships with the Old Electric, testing new ways of social based practice with the volunteers and Blackpool residents. This included trying out workshops and exhibitions with the volunteers and developing ideas that originate from community voices.

Catherine Mugonyi

Developing and growing a relevant, democratic, caring and connected cultural organisation: Catherine’s DYCP focused on governance and leadership. She researched alternative structures for arts organisations, updated her knowledge of cultural democracy and socially engaged practice and built networks with other change-makers. She accessed mentoring and took time to reflect on her last 3 years of project delivery/outcomes.

Book your spot for £5

 If the cost is an issue for you, please get in touch, we may be able to help.

What we will provide

• Workspace with wifi, loos & lots of brews
• Lunch
• Print-outs of the DYCP questions/application form
• Print-outs of previously successful applications
• Artists/practitioners who have already successfully navigated the DYCP process to support you in your application.

What you will need

• Your idea/project
• If you want to work on a live application: A laptop, tablet
• If you are making an application to this round of DYCP (deadline 17 January 2023), please make sure that you have a Grantium login. You can’t start your eligibility questionnaire or application until the Arts Council has approved your new applicant profile, which could take up to ten working days. You can set up your login here.

Who’s it for?
Anyone working on a DYCP application.
Please note that this session is about helping you develop your application. We’re not writing it for you, but will help you to shape it. Attending does not guarantee that your application will be successful, but we hope that our support will help you to submit the best application you can.

What is Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique was created by Francesco Cirillo for a more productive way to work and study. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Each interval is known as a pomodoro, from the Italian word for ‘tomato’, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used as a university student.