When To Stop Writing Applications And Invest In Yourself
First of all, I need you to know that I believe the GRANT MONEY IS YOUR MONEY.
You deserve to earn money for your art. You deserve to be supported and fairly compensated for the work you do.
I believe this so much that, I’ve made a download with my top tips for grant writing success.
This week however, I want to address what I call, The Application Booby Trap, and when NOT to apply for funding but instead, INVEST IN YOURSELF.
If you're going through one of those phases where it seems like all you do is apply for grants and never work on your show… I want to encourage you to hit pause on the apps, and invest in your ART.
And by invest I mean, give your art your precious time and attention.
WHY!? Here are 5 reasons.
Procrastination-free approach
Application-land can be a form of procrastination or avoiding your project. Sometimes we draw a line: “I’ll work on my project when I have money, but not until then.” Invest your time & do whatever can be done without money.
No gatekeeper
For much of our lives in the arts, we’re reliant on gatekeepers approving of us and our work. Don’t let gatekeepers’ inhibit you from creating. Reclaim your creativity. Make art on your own terms.
No shoe-horning project to fit funding criteria
When you write a grant before you’ve done a lot of work on the project itself, sometimes you make decisions prematurely or tailor your project to fit funding criteria. These compromises can lead you to fall out of love with a project. Avoid avoid avoid.
Bet on yourself
By choosing to reallocate the time you would have spent writing applications to creating your project you are betting on yourself. A powerful action. You’ll feel terrific being engaged with your art. Work on it consistently. Make it as strong as you can without money. The money will come.
Investments in art payoff
By holding off on applications and spending time on the art itself, when you do eventually apply you’ll be armed with a solid project, that you are invested in (literally) and that you know intimately. You’ll be well-positioned to make the strongest case for funding.
Putting a pin in seeking funding may seem counterintuitive. Remember, this pause is temporary. It’s a way to get off the hamster-wheel of applications and back to the thing you love.
It will feel terrific. So, if you need permission to stop applying for a while, permission granted!
To receive more creative resources, practical tips and inspiration like this straight to your inbox each week, join my mailing list.