Grant applications can be a daunting process. With Brisbane City Council’s Creative and History Grants program opening on Monday 5 November 2018, we’ve talked to successful grant applicant Dr Lee McGowan about his project and how he went about applying for funding.
According to Dr McGowan, having authenticity and a solid idea is where a good application comes from. ‘This project was, and still is, very close to my heart. I was inspired by my daughters’ questions about women’s football that I could not answer. Panel members said my proposed approach was well-thought out.’
The pitch? A digital history of women’s football (soccer), With the ball at her feet.
Dr McGowan was successful for the Lord Mayor’s Helen Taylor Research Award for Local History. With his funding, he invested in finding the stories and housing them on a website as well as creating a movable exhibition which has featured in many libraries around Brisbane.
‘We’ve established a digital narrative that shares what we know and continues to gather new knowledge. We’ve had historians involved, students at universities and we’ve met with and interviewed key figures in the women’s game’s development. We built great partnerships with Football Brisbane and Football Queensland. It’s pretty exciting,’ he said.
‘Being able to contribute to the Matildas’ story for an ABC Australian Story episode was pretty special. But we’ve been on ABC Radio and SBS news too.’
When reflecting on the application process and securing grants, Dr McGowan has a clear message, ‘Do your homework. Talk to people about it, call Council, talk to past recipients and be open in your application.’
With the ball at her feet has now received funding from several organisations such as QUT and Football Queensland and will be tackling more stories in 2019.
Open on 5 November 2018, Brisbane City Council offers a range of Creative and History Grants providing more to see and do in our clean, green Brisbane.
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL GRANT APPLICATION TOP TIPS
- Have a solid idea and show your passion and authenticity.
- Check your eligibility and criteria.
- Make sure your numbers are right in your budget.
- Talk to Council by visiting an information session or by calling 3403 8888.
About the grants
Brisbane City Council’s Creative and History Grants are open for applications on Monday 5 November 2018.
Innovation Grants Program:
The Innovation Grants Program is a Council initiative to support the growth of creative enterprise in Brisbane. Funding is available to advance the development of a creative enterprise through an innovative product, project, collaboration or business idea.
Applications for this grant close at midnight on Monday 4 February 2019.
Creative Sparks Grants Program:
The Creative Sparks Grants Program is a joint initiative of Brisbane City Council and Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. The program aims to support new projects and initiatives that strengthen the sustainability and capacity of Brisbane’s cultural and creative industries.
Applications for this grant close at midnight on Tuesday 29 January 2019.
Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artists Fellowships:
This program supports young and emerging Brisbane artists aged between 17 and 30 to develop their careers.
Applications for this grant close at midnight on Tuesday 29 January 2019.
Brisbane History Grants:
Council’s Brisbane History Grants Program incorporates the Community History Grants and the Lord Mayor’s Helen Taylor Research Award for Local History. These initiatives aim to increase the community’s access to and appreciation of Brisbane’s history and heritage.
Applications for this grant close at midnight on Monday 4 February 2019.
Learn more about Brisbane City Council’s Creative and History Grants.
