This week, Wales Arts International, the international arm of Arts Council of Wales, in partnership with British Council is launching a new funding initiative.
Igniting Potential is a programme to encourage Wales’ professional individual artists to take up the first significant international opportunity to develop their practice.
This strand supports primarily overseas visits aimed at connecting with artists, organisations and/or creative producers outside of the UK. A return visit to Wales by the partner artist or organisation as part of the project can be supported through this strand, but at least one overseas visit must be a central part of the proposal.
Eluned Hâf, Head of Wales Arts International said:
"Igniting Potential will offer targeted support for individuals with a proven track record in Wales who are at the early stages of working internationally. It’s near impossible for artists in this day and age to sustain their work professionally within the confines of national borders, but it can also be very difficult to get the first meaningful international opportunity that can transform and individual’s career in the long term. This scheme is for projects that offer a step change for artists such as Sam Perry who is preparing for his first significant exhibition of Welsh and American artists in New York."
The fund has been made possible thanks to a contribution by British Council who are supporting similar schemes in England and Northern Ireland. Graham Sheffield CBE, Director Arts, British Council said:
"We are delighted to be able to work together with Wales Arts International to highlight the strength of Welsh artists and help introduce their work to an international audience. We believe strongly in the benefit of overseas experience in developing and inspiring artists, as well as furthering their careers. Equally important is the value that will be brought back into Wales and its arts sector through the development of new international audiences."
The scheme is competitive, and the maximum level of support is £5,000 and the deadline is the 31st of January 2014. Wales Arts International will consider the level of financial support requested and will make a decision based on published criteria, together with the level of funding available. The scheme will open on Monday 2 December. Artists interested in applying to this new scheme are encouraged to email Wales Arts International: [email protected]