Very briefly then -  and please note the guidelines
are still in formulation under discussion, so what
you read here  -  even the skimpy details, might change.

A pilot scheme, to run for about one year, as from late July
this financial year, is being constructed for Recordings
and Publications of an 'innovative' and not necessarily
commercially viable cast.

It will form an addition to the existing A4E schemes, and some
of the rules  -  such as additionality (though you can argue
almost anything under that heading, particularly in respect
of these activities) will apply.

Amounts will 'normally' be in a bracket between 5 thousand pounds
and 100 thousand pounds. Applications for below 5 thousand pounds
are unlikely to be considered.

You have to have been operating as an Imprint or Label for at least
two years prior to the date of the application. There will be no
deadlines. This is a rolling scheme. You can apply at any time.

I'd recommend talking to your RAB officer first. Keep an eye out
for regional meetings to prime the proposed guidelines.

Worries about the fund expressed at Toynbee Hall were that it was
framed too significantly towards institutions (big players) and
that things such as audited accounts, six monthly accounting back
to the Lottery and so on were beyond the remit of small auteurs.
I think such worries have been taken on board and the restrictions
will ease. Also note the adoption of 'appropriateness' as a term
i pushed in relation to appropriate means and values of production
for a given work, appropriate distribution, appropriate audiences,
appropriate marketing  -  and so on. This term has, i feel, been
strongly carried forward and will be incorporated into
the rewrites forthcoming. But if you attend regional airings
then you might bear such lobbying angles in mind. This is a moment
for consensual weight, to get as much work through the opening
door as it's possible to achieve.

Series are being favoured and applications (as the guidelines
currently stand) for poetry and performance poetry are being
'welcomed' (probablye Arts Council speak for positively encouraged,
even favoured).

There is a lot of money  -  no ceiling has been announced. This is a big
opportunity and might not get a rerun! The main hindrance with
the Lottery  -  since much of the good working practice bandied
around in the arts for so long has effectively been shot to hell
in this unwholesome scramble   -  is FILLING IN  THE FORMS RIGHT!

That is the gatekeeper. Fill in the forms right, and as i suggest,
get your RAB officer to advise you well, will most likely secure
you funding for several pet projects. Those things you'd love to
be able to do but resources can't stretch to.

My advice would be to take the opportunity. It's is a massively
transitional stage in the history of public patronage. Important
issues are being discussed. I'm keen that as many practitioners
such as are reading this message here involve themselves, however
briefly, in the debates  -  and benefit from the transition.

I know you might be sceptical, but it's worth that input of
strategising nouse  -  just this once. Facades are cracking.
It is likely that they will be resealed in two to five years.

Perhaps the most interesting issue that will erupt is that
of accountability and concommittant processes for effective
representation.

I'll try to keep everyone posted.

love and love
cris






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