2/11/03 Quality Contest

Most local artists would agree that arts grants should not be a popularity contest. If these things must be framed in competitive terms - and the fight for arts bucks becomes just that - then, if anything, it should be a quality contest.

To that end, if ACT Arts Minister Bill Wood proclaims that he wishes to "fund less, fund better" then my feeling is he better come out and see some more local theatre as I have not seen him at any HMT shows since our inception.

I extend that invitation out to all those who make the vital decisions about grants, most of whom, incidentally, decline my invitations (of complimentary tickets) to see our product.

After speaking with those who are "very cross" with missing out, many are in fact realistic about their chances of receiving funding. Some are more accepting of these decisions than others. But most of us feel that those who make decisions need to look beyond the applications (I am trying to imagine Mozart tapping out a grant application at his PC) and come out and see what it is they are exactly deeming worthy of better funding.

Or not receiving any.