Application

Writing funding applications is hugely time consuming and, in these difficult financial times, wrought with the frustration that they are most likely to end in nothing. I’m definitely a beginner. I have only one previous funding application under my belt and that was unsuccessful; so a 100% record of failure!

I also don’t have much to compare it with, but Wakefield Council do seem to be trying hard to nurture creativity across all areas of the district and encourage artists, groups, communities to have a go. Their new Culture Grants offer funding for large and small creative projects, some with a deliberately open brief and others specifically designed to support projects in areas and for communities which don’t normally engage with the arts. The response from creatives of all sorts has been huge and applications are increasing as the news spreads – so maybe I was lucky to apply in the first round!

Writing an application means envisaging the whole project in advance – thinking of everything you want to happen and planning contingency for the things you don’t, why you think it is important, how you are going to do it, how you are going to tell people about it, how much it will cost, who else will be involved and why the world will be a better place if you do it.

While that might seem impossible, I did find it useful to firm up what had, thus far, just been a vague idea about a wall. Then there is the matter of it being public money. Maybe because this is the first time for me, I feel the weight of that quite heavily on my shoulders, so I want it to work.

At the end of a couple of weeks of writing, planning, discussing, picking brains, drinking tea and not wanting to spend so much time at the computer, I had a plan.

What?

An exhibition of wall-based pieces exploring decay and repair in Waterton’s wall, exhibition film, children’s activity sheets, drop-in textile workshops.

Where?

The newly refurbished visitors’ centre at Anglers Country Park.

Why?

The wall is beautiful and largely ignored by passers-by; it is historically significant and it is crumbling, so awareness needs to be raised.

How?

Me, hours of work, textiles and construction materials, collaboration.

Who else?

The Friends of Waterton’s Wall; Abby King, Visitor Services Manager Anglers Country Park; photographer David Lindsay; Graphic Designer Richard Chappelow; and, quietly, behind the scenes advice and support for me from The Art House and my family.

Why will the world be a better place?

• People will go away from the exhibition looking out for the beautiful shapes in eroded walls across the region and beyond, and that will enrich the simple pleasures of life;
• Awareness will be raised of the precarious condition of the wall and hopefully some will want to join the Friends of Waterton’s wall, contribute with time or expertise or offer financial support;
• People who don’t usually visit art galleries will experience, and hopefully enjoy some art; and
• People who come specifically for the exhibition will discover what a lovely place Anglers Country Park is.

Of course, I didn’t say it quite like that – the completed application ran to 17 sides of A4. But eventually it was done, and I pressed submit.

Then the 3 weeks of thumb-twiddling and waiting for a decision. Itching to get on with it, unsure it will happen, so trying to put on hold the enthusiasm generated by the process of applying!

All in good time, the decision is made, the email arrives, “we are delighted to inform you…”, success!

Excited, grateful, humbled. It’s full steam ahead!

Next time: First felts