The proposal

You need to write a proposal of up to 2,000 words and submit this with your online application to the Artists international development fund.

The proposal will form the main part of your application, so take your time when writing it and researching for it.  Throughout, your proposal should address:

  • the quality of the activity proposed
  • the nature of collaboration involved

The proposal is split into three sections.  Each section has a maximum word limit, and you won’t be allowed to submit your application if you go over these, even by one word.  Check the word count for each section in word processing software on your computer before you try to copy it into the online form.

Address the following in your three-part proposal:

1. Quality – how the activity will support your artistic development (maximum: 500 words)

  • Include what do you plan to do, why you want to do it, and that the artistic reasons behind your application are - how this travel will support your development as an artist.
  • Mention your (and your international partner's) track record
  • A very brief overview of your recognition as an artist, which will be backed up by any additional submissions you send with your application (such as press coverage, evidence of prizes, public appearances, exhibitions or residencies)

2. Viability – an outline of what you have planned and how you will do it (maximum: 1,000 words)

  • Include a schedule of planned activity, any evidence of your partner's commitment (backed up by their letter of support that you must send with your application) and evidence of your initial research in country contacts.

  • If you have support from the British Council for your project in the country you are planning to visit, include this here as well.  The application will be partially assessed by British Council arts teams in the country you are planning to visit – don’t say you have their support if they’ve never heard of you.  You don't need to get this, but if you have contacts with the British Council in the country you want to visit already, it would help to mention their support.

  • Any other funding you have applied for or secured for your activity.

3. Relevance – details of why you want to work with your chosen partner and the country they are in (maximum: 500 words)

  • Include what working with this partner will bring to your artistic development, and/or how it will develop your audience in the future.
  • Say what you find interesting about working in this country specifically - not why you want to work overseas in general.  You need to conduct your own research about what makes that specific country, at this specific time, such an important place for you to visit.

For information on how Arts Council England will assess your application, see the full official guidance notes.