The Australia Council has recently commented that the success of contemporary Australian artists overseas is providing increased recognition and encouragement to new artists locally. The Council has reported that new work applications in the recent Visual Arts/Craft Board (VACB) grant round were up by almost a fifth, or in dollar terms by more than one million dollars on 2001. Chair of the VACB Victoria Lynn, has noted that 'of the 417 new work applications received, 44% were from first time applicants.' The increase she notes 'is attributable to not only the Australia Council working closely across the country, but the success both locally and internationally currently being enjoyed by Australian contemporary artists.' Grants totaling $2,018,840 were distributed between 59 new work grants, three fellowships, eight key organisations and four out-of-time grants. In addition, several significant partnerships and initiatives were funded including the delivery of a world-class professional development program for art and museum professionals through the Melbourne Business School.