ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Helpmann Academy Creative Innovator Program is an exciting opportunity that will help you turn your idea for a product or service into a profitable creative enterprise.
The program is open to individual creatives or small groups with either an existing project or a burgeoning idea. You’ll receive training and support in a creative, nurturing environment and have the chance to pitch for up to $20,000 cash funding.
Over a six-month period, you will take part in a tailored program designed to develop your business model and entrepreneurial mindset. You’ll receive skills development and mentoring in key areas such as:
- The feasibility of your product or service
- Business planning – strategy and budgeting
- Networking and audience development
- Pitching and presentation
- Branding and marketing
- Goal setting and evaluation
Our Creative Innovator Program also has expanded eligibility up to seven years from your final year of study!
PROGRAM FEATURES
Mentoring
You’ll be matched one-on-one with an established arts practice mentor, specifically chosen to suit your practice. They’ll provide individual encouragement and advice to support you through the program. You’ll also receive comprehensive support from the Helpmann Academy.
Workshops & Masterclasses
You’ll attend two workshops and/or masterclasses per month, delivered by leading business professionals in the areas of entrepreneurship, strategic planning, finance, legal, marketing and branding, and funding.
Industry Experts
You’ll have access to a pool of industry experts and business advisors.
Funding and pitching opportunities
On completion of the program, you will receive seed funding of $2,000, plus an opportunity to pitch your enterprise for further core funding of up to $20,000 (total) to help accelerate your idea to market!
Group networking
Network with other program participants and industry leaders to receive feedback and support and develop your contacts.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
At the end of this program, you’ll have:
- An increased capacity to thrive in the world
- Confidence in your own ability to create and sustain a creative business
- A network of supportive creative and corporate connections from across a broad range of sectors
- A comprehensive plan that will support your enterprise moving beyond the program
- A developed understanding of your target market and innovative ways to reach them
- A developed brand and professional pitch
- An in-depth understanding of the varying aspects of building and growing a small business
WHO CAN APPLY?
We’re looking for creatives working in one or more of the following fields:
• Fashion
• Animation/game design
• Film and media
• Visual arts and design
• Theatre and dance
• Music
Applications are invited from graduates up to seven years following your final year of study from an eligible program at one of Helpmann Academy’s partner institutions (click here for a list of eligible programs).
Honours students and graduates (up to seven years following your final year of study) are also eligible to apply.
APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Application Process
Applications close Sunday 19 March 2023 at 11:59pm ACDT
- Read this document thoroughly
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their submission with the Helpmann Academy and submit a draft application for feedback before completing their final application
- Draft applications must be received by Tuesday 14 March 2023, in Word document format to tess.syme@helpmannacademy.com.au
- Complete and submit the application form via Helpmann Academy’s website
Applicants are required to answer the following questions (you can provide written answers or upload a video)
1. Tell us about yourself and your creative practice. (This can include your artist statement or your artist bio or it may just be about you and where you are currently at with your creative practice.)
2. Tell us about your idea, product or service. (You may have a fully formed concept at this stage or it may just be an idea – it’s OK if the idea is not fully formed. Your “service” or “business” may be you as an artist.)
3. Tell us how you will benefit from this opportunity. (Keep this simple! You just need a few dot points.)
Applicants are required to provide:
- An artist CV (maximum two- pages)
- A copy of your relevant official academic transcript
- Visual (images or video) examples of your work (your product or service)
Additional: support material may be supplied such as letters of endorsement, reviews/press coverage of past work (optional).
Assessment Process
Successful applicants will clearly outline their idea for their creative enterprise and demonstrate how undertaking this program will help them achieve their goals. A panel facilitated by the Helpmann Academy will assess applications based on:
- Artistic and entrepreneurial merit
- A clearly defined idea, product or service that has potential for growth
- A clear understanding of how you will benefit from the program
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.
KEY DATES
- Applications open Monday 20 February 2023
- Draft applications submitted by Tuesday 14 March 2023
- Applications close Sunday 19 March 2023 at 11:59pm (ACDT)
- Applicants shortlisted, interviewed and selected – late March/April 2023
- Program activity runs – April to September 2023
Participants will be required to commit a minimum of four days per month to the program, as per the fixed schedule.
CONDITIONS OF THE PROGRAM
The following conditions apply to all successful applicants:
- Applicants must not have any overdue acquittals for previous projects. Applications will not be accepted if the applicant has an overdue acquittal
- Participants must be available to undertake the program from April to September 2023
- Participants will be required to provide a final report within six weeks of the completion of the program.
- All decisions are final.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information please contact the Helpmann Academy on (08) 7089 7020 or info@helpmannacademy.com.au