FAQ's
The dance artist and choreographer - frequently asked questions
What is knowledge capital?
Knowledge capital refers to the combination of knowledge, information and experience we hold as individuals and the value placed on this by an organisation or sector. The SCOPE program aims to develop a plan to capture and recycle the knowledge of individuals within the sector to increase the value of the art form and ongoing sustainability of dance in Australia.
Will the program continue beyond 2008?
The SCOPE program is initially funded to February 2009. With successful delivery and support from the dance sector, SCOPE aims to secure further funding for ongoing service delivery.
Will there be more places available in the future?
The SCOPE program is currently funded until February 2009. With successful delivery and support from the dance sector SCOPE aims to secure further funding for ongoing service delivery.
How much financial support (or funding) is available for education expenses such as short course or university fees?
There are two streams of funding that SCOPE participants can apply for.
1. Professional Development Fund: this fund can be applied to for short courses and other professional development that contributes to the individual artist’s Career and Education Action plan.*
2. Tertiary Scholarship Fund: this fund can be applied to for tertiary studies that relate to the individual artist’s Career and Education Action plan. The applications will be assessed on a unit by unit basis and up to 75% of an individual unit can be funded (up to two units per semester). Note a further 25% can be claimed as a rebate post successful completion of the unit.*
* Note the grant of any such award is not automatic and is subject to an application being successful under the terms of the scholarship.
Do you have to want an ongoing career in the arts to be eligible to apply?
No. Dance artists who are seeking support for transition to other industries can apply to the program, however applications do take into consideration the artists’ commitment to ‘give back’ to the sector post involvement in SCOPE.
What do you mean by wanting candidates to ‘give back’ to the dance industry post involvement with SCOPE?
SCOPE aims to develop a culture of contribution within the dance industry. Developing and recycling the knowledge of dancers and choreographers increases the value of the art form and ongoing sustainability of the sector. Successful management of this knowledge capital through capturing information, mentoring and knowledge sharing will benefit the sector as a whole. For example, after involvement in the SCOPE program, a candidate may employ artists through a new business venture or consider mentoring other dance artists through their artistic development process.
Is the program only for dance artists who want to stop dancing or choreographing?
No. The SCOPE program is an individualised program that can assist artists at any stage of their professional career. SCOPE views dance artists as personal career managers and therefore planning and professional development is valuable at all career stages.
What is the EAFU program and how can this help me?
The Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) Network has been established to identify and promote universities who have responded to the specific needs of elite student athletes by developing new, or promoting existing policies and practices which assist elite student athletes to undertake sporting opportunities whilst pursuing and achieving academic excellence.
Successful dance artists will have access to the EAFU Network and can benefit from a range of helpful services including flexible study options and on campus support staff.
Who will I work with in the program?
Successful Dance Artists will work with a professional Career and Education Adviser. Consultations will be a combination of face to face and telephone meetings and email contact. Participants will have access to ACE online – a career development web site for elite performers and will also communicate on a regular basis with the National SCOPE Consultant.
What are portfolio careers?
A portfolio career describes people managing multiple part time roles and receiving income from more than one source. Portfolio careers are becoming more accepted and sought after. The world of work has changed from the traditional linear career path and individuals are seeking greater work life balance and professional development opportunities through portfolio careers.
What is a career and education action plan?
A career and education action plan is a documented plan of an individual’s professional development and career planning ideas, actions and achievements.
How do you define ‘professional artist?
The SCOPE program defines professional dance artists as individuals who have earned an income from their art form and who identify dance as their number one career focus at this point in time.
How long post performing careers can you apply?
There is no limit to how long post performing an artist can apply to the SCOPE program. Applications are assessed on the individuals’ ability to articulate how they believe the SCOPE program can assist them in the current stage of their career.
Who should I speak to for further information or if I have other questions?
Kay Helliwell is the National SCOPE Consultant managing the program. You can contact Kay by email or by phoning 03 9669 2744.
