FAQ how do I implement my arts educational project?

If you have a good idea for an arts educational project, but you don’t have an employer, you can present your project to potential clients. Examples of this include schools, arts centres, cultural institutions, theatre/dance companies, out-of-school care or community centres. What do these potential clients pay attention to when they are selecting a project?

• Offer an innovative project
  There is a lot on offer in the field of arts projects. If you want to set up a project, do research into similar projects. There may be a project that offers the same thing yours does. You have the highest chance of securing a client if you offer a project that is innovative and meaningful, and which explores unfamiliar territory.
   
• Quality
  Arts educational institutions pay close attention to quality and topicality. They do not only assess how good the project is in terms of execution. In addition, they also examine the length and structure of the programme, the degree of interaction and whether you can broaden the perspective of children and young people. At the same time, it is important that you resonate and connect with their lived experience. Demonstrable experience with educational projects and with project-based work will work to your advantage.
   
• Connection with the region
  It may be the case that arts educational institutions have a preference for artists/teachers from their own city or region.
   
• Costs and organisation
  They will also look at the price you are asking, of course, and at the location: can it take place in a classroom, or will you need a small theatre or a large hall with a gigantic stage? The number of children and/or young people who can participate is also important.
   
• Period in which to offer your project
  Many arts educational institutions present their programme for the next season in spring. The best time to present yourself, therefore, is between September and February, before the brochures are made including anything new on offer.

There is a great demand for projects in which a collaboration is entered into between different arts disciplines and the school. The aim of this is to connect children and/or young people with each other via the arts. You could look for a partner, for example, who has another expertise, and approach several schools, community centres or cultural institutions. Museums, music centres and theatre/dance companies are also often open to new ideas. In that case, make sure that your plan will strengthen the programme they are offering.

If your project meets certain criteria, you can apply for a subsidy. You can contact the municipality, the government or subsidy providers in the field of cultural education about this. A first step is to find partners, such as a cultural institution and/or a client. You must also write a plan of action and substantiate why your project provides something different to what’s already on offer. The subsidy providers often have key areas, such as projects aimed specifically at the primary education sector or projects in which children are reached who would not usually come into contact with the arts. You can also apply for a subsidy as a self-employed professional or foundation for projects with amateurs.