We have identified the following 11 most frequently asked questions:
1. Does MtC fund individual leadership development?
We will not fund an application made by an individual. However, MtC is open to organisations* and businesses, and provision can be made to support the leadership development of individuals within a Meeting the Challenge application.
*By ‘organisation’ we mean a single group of people working towards a shared or common goal. This can take many forms (for example a limited company, a charity or an unincorporated group).
2. Does MtC fund artistic production?
If the primary purpose of the application, and the bulk of the funding is for the production of an artistic event, – i.e. an exhibition or festival – this is not within the remit of Meeting the Challenge.
3. Does MtC fund artist/practitioner leadership development?
Artist/Practitioners are often the leaders of micro and small businesses within the creative and cultural sectors, and therefore we do fund artist/practitioner leadership development. We can fund programmes bringing together partnerships between groups of artist/practitioners, and their organisations or businesses. However, MtC does not fund programmes that centre on the development of artistic skills, nor do we fund projects that are primarily to do with artistic production.
4. Does MtC fund youth focussed development?
Meeting the Challenge is primarily for the development of Adult (25+ year old) leadership skills. ‘Youth’ (16-25 years old, but especially those younger than 21 years) leadership development programmes cannot be the primary focus of an application made to Meeting the Challenge. However, there is room for a youth element within an application made, though we would suggest that you secure funding from another source for the facilitation of this.
5. What is the difference between Leadership Development and Capacity Building, and how can each be funded via MtC?
The focus of the Meeting the Challenge is leadership development. This can take the form of development programmes for individual leaders at all stages from emerging to senior leaders. Alternately, you may use funding to develop organisational frameworks for progression, succession planning, encouraging diversity in leadership and dissemination of learning throughout organisations, for example. Capacity building also covers some of these areas – however, when the activity extends into artistic production, capital development, administration or other core activities these would not be fundable via MtC.
6. What is the difference between a partnership, and a service provider?
One of the integral elements of Meeting the Challenge is the partnership of organisations working together to develop and disseminate leadership skills across the creative and cultural sectors. Practically, this means that there is reciprocal benefit to all organisations from their involvement in an MtC programme – for example, this could be a secondment programme between organisations. A service provider is an organisation brought in to facilitate an element of an MtC programme who are NOT reciprocally benefiting from the leadership development, for example providing coaches or venues. In kind services from such organisations (though this may only constitute 5% of your budget), or sponsorship from the private sector is acceptable.
7. What is a ‘cross-sector partnership’?
One of the aims of MtC is to encourage organisations to work with partners outside of their individual sector and of varying organisation size, therefore enabling an extended benefit and pooling of resources. For example, a partnership could be: a large museum; a small dance company; a local authority; and a medium sized Design Company. Please follow the Investing in Leadership link for an outline of out target sectors.
8. Do you fund partnerships with organisations outside of England?
Due to the Cultural Leadership’s delivery partners, MLA and CC Skills, having a UK wide remit we will fund organisations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, as the Arts Council England is the key stakeholder in Meeting the Challenge, the majority of the benefit must remain within England. Applications including Organisations and Individuals from within the European Union are permissible, but they must not be the lead partner, and as before the main benefit must remain within England. Please follow the link to the Arts Council England’s policy on eligibility for further information.
9. Am I able to bring a partner in from outside of the creative and cultural sector?
We actively encourage partnerships to include organisations from outside of the creative and cultural sector, for example private business or a local authority. However, these organisations cannot be the lead partner and must make up a minority share of the partnership. There must be a clear rationale for their involvement and you should ensure that these businesses are receiving reciprocal benefit from the partnership, and are not acting as service providers.
10. Will you fund an existing programme?
We are happy to consider the development of existing programmes that fit the criteria of Meeting the Challenge.
11. Can I use other Arts Council England funding to make up the other 20% of finance?
As the Cultural Leadership Programme is a managed funds initiative of the Arts Council England, this would constitute ‘double funding’ under its policy. If you are a regularly funded organisation (RFO), you must consult with your lead officer before making an application to Meeting the Challenge. RFO’s should seek funding from outside the budget supplied by Arts Council England to make up the further 20%.
