Guidelines for artists thinking of applying for residencies

Many artists do not apply for our projects because they do not understand what is involved. Others fail to be selected because they haven't submitted the correct information. What follows are some guidelines and tips for applying for Public Art commissions and Artist in Residence projects. We hope that these will encourage more artists to apply and to apply successfully.

There is a popular misconception that Cywaith Cymru . Artworks Wales chooses artists for projects. It is always the project client (commissions) or host (residencies) who selects an artist for a project. We collate all the applications and offer advice during the selection process, but have no say in the final decision. You should, therefore, assume that the people making the selection do not know you or your work, even if you have been involved in one of our projects before.

PREPARING AN APPLICATION
Clarity of presentation will always score over fancy packaging. Typed or word-processed information is always gratefully received, otherwise hand-written submissions should be as legible as possible. We will usually ask for a letter of application. This should outline your interest in the project, what you could bring to it and why it would be appropriate for you to be selected. You do not need to go into any great detail about how you will approach the project, unless specifically asked. In some instances it is better to approach a project with an open mind.

Even if you are registered on one of our databases please send an up-to-date curriculum vitae. This should outline your experience to date, briefly refer to your education and to your outside interests - especially where relevant to the project. Please remember to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with the correct postage for return of visual images. This helps us to spend every penny on the projects, rather than on postage.

BASICS
All artists are asked to submit visual material when applying for projects. When doing so please check the following:

• That you send your most current slides/images
• That the work shown is relevant to the project applied for
• That all slides/photographs are labelled with your name and the number order in which you wish them to be viewed
• That the top is clearly marked (usually with a dot in the top right hand corner)
• That a list is sent, with details of each image, the medium / material, size, title, date and, if relevant, the project to which it relates ALL SLIDES ARE PROJECTED AT SELECTION MEETINGS
• Lastly, don't forget to say clearly, on the envelope and in the letter of application, which project you are applying for. If applying for more than one at a time, please send two separate applications and packs of images - occasionally selection meetings are held simultaneously in different parts of the country.

PUBLIC ART PROJECTS
Many artists are deterred from applying for public art commissions because they feel that they do not have enough expertise in certain areas e.g. fabrication, manufacturing, calculating stresses, maintenance schedules, technical drawing skills, planning to scale, designing fixtures etc. DON'T PANIC! Make sure that, when calculating the budget, you set aside enough to pay for outside help - we can advise. It is also wise to budget enough for your time i.e. don't spend 99% of the budget on materials. The key issues for our project partners will be: How interesting is the proposal? Is it appropriate to the site? Will it require a lot of maintenance? Is it suitably robust/vandal-proof? Is the proposal achievable within the time and budget available?

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE PROJECTS
There is a common misconception that artists need to have special qualifications to work in some AiR settings e.g. a teaching qualification to work in a school; an Art Therapy qualification to work in a hospital. This is not so. In those settings the artists will be working alongside individuals who are directly responsible for the care of pupils/patients and the artist's ability to share skills, think creatively and create enthusiasm for the project are the key factors. In the case of AiR projects the artist's personality and communication skills are of as much relevance as the quality of their work. At the selection stage the project partners/hosts will be looking for work that is exciting and appropriate to the setting and the project participants. Although your track record will be taken into consideration, artists with little or no experience will be offered support and guidance throughout the project.