MELODY VAUGHAN
easeful dycp
ways towards spacious project design & gentle application submission
These resources are aimed at anyone who is considering applying for Arts Council DYCP funding and who might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by how much work goes into the application and would like a bit of support.
My intention is to be honest about what you can expect when you apply, but also to encourage you to approach this with a focus on the experience of the process rather than on the outcome. There is so much that can be learned and gained from designing your project and sharing it, regardless of whether you are successful or not. And as with all my mentoring work I’m here to remind you that you are allowed to prioritise your needs within these structures, and that applying for DYCP is no different – it can be possible to find a way to design your project and make your submission that involves ease and works with the context of your life as it currently is.
Within these resources I share my experiences working with artists, designers and contemporary craft makers supporting them either through the process of developing a project, applying for funding or with mentoring as part of a funded project.
Over the past 5 years I’ve worked with many people who have been successful with various funded opportunities, but also many who have not, including many whose applications were incredibly strong. The funding landscape is difficult and competitive; I’m not here to tell you that working with me will guarantee you success. Instead I hope that the insights I’ve gained and the people/resources I can recommend may offer you some additional perspectives that maybe you’ve been looking for. And, if possible, to help you actually enjoy the process of applying for DYCP funding!
resources
An audio guide to help you find a way to make the experience of applying for DYCP more easeful for you.
Includes guided journalling prompts to help give you clarity and identify support and resources you can turn to when things get challenging.
Listen here. (14:53)
In this video I guide you through the steps I’d recommend to any of my clients who are approaching the DYCP application.
Includes ideas, tips and things I’ve learnt from my experience supporting people designing projects and applying for funding.
Watch here (29:17)
A short pdf containing 3 quick ways to re-connect with your inner knowing and resource yourself in moments when the DYCP starts to feel overwhelming.
Builds on the insights gained in ‘What does ease feel like for you?’
This pdf is full of links to useful information I think everyone should have when applying for DYCP.
Best used in conjunction with ‘Spacious project design: a pathway’.
additional support
1:1 support with your application
I have space for a few new clients this autumn who are interested in working on their DYCP application. These resources should give you an insight into how I work and what it’s like to work with me, as well as offering useful information/resources that you could take and use by yourself.
I do very little marketing, most of my work comes from peer referrals or people who have been following me on instagram for a while or receive my seasonal review emails. I like it this way. I’m not interested in a hard sell or trying to hype things up. To be honest, with my chronic health issues I’m not capable of all that. My work is rooted in care for you, for me, for everyone connected to our practices, for this beautiful planet. If working with me after looking at these resources feels like something that would be supportive for you I’d love to see where that goes. If it doesn’t then that’s fine too.
If you have any questions I’d love to hear from you, just send me an email
If DYCP or any other project development isn’t where you’re at right now, but you feel you might be interested in some general creative practice mentoring, then take a look here
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