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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

I'm an artist/independent curator. Am I eligible to apply?
You must apply through a host gallery who can assist you in developing and presenting the project. Emphasis will be given to projects developed with the support of a public gallery to ensure the exhibition is professionally managed by suitably experienced staff.

What types of exhibitions are funded through the EDF prgram?
The EDF program supports the development of touring exhibitions of contemporary art, craft and design. Exhibitions can include historical material, but at minimum, half the exhibition should be contemporary works. Those applications which have strong curatorial premise, are innovative and include high quality works of art are the most successful. Exhibitions that are designed to build audiences are also encouraged.

Is my exhibition appropriate for tour?

Consider whether the exhibition has an audience outside your gallery and community. Will the works, ideas and themes resonate with a broader audience? Will it be relevant and topical throughout the tour, which can last for as long as eighteen months. Are the works in sound condition and with appropriate packing and handling, can they withstand the tour?

How can I ensure a broad range of audiences will engage with my exhibition?

The development of support materials, publications and learning programs can help host galleries engage a diverse audience. Promotional materials such as media releases, images for reproduction, and invitations for overprinting are also a useful in promoting the exhibition.

When curating the exhibition, what should I think about?

Is the exhibition of a scale that would fit in host galleries temporary exhibitions spaces? Will the works of art fit within the internal dimensions of the art carrier's truck? Consideration must be given to how the works will be installed by host galleries, any display technologies or exhibition design requirements and whether the artist/s must oversee the installation of their own works. This will have an impact on your budget. 

Where should I propose to tour my exhibition? 

The exhibition should tour to areas in which the exhibition has relevance. First of all, consider whether the artist/s have works in any gallery collections, or whether they have a relationship to particular communities. As the EDF program is funded by Arts Victoria, preference is given to projects that tour to Victorian public galleries with museum-standard facilities, professionally trained staff and a significant audience base.

How many venues should I tour to?

Two venues don't really constitute a tour, however be mindful that more than eight to ten venues may jeopardise the condition of the works. Both state and federal touring grants specify a minimum number of venues:

  • Touring Victoria program, Arts Victoria (at least three venues)
  • Visions of Australia program, Australian Government (at least ?? venues)

What should I include in my budget?

Look at the application for suggestions. At absolute minimum, you will need to cover the cost of packing or crating, insurance and freight. We recommend that you spend time researching potential costs to ensure the exhibition and subsequent tour are viable and can be covered through your organisation's budget or through touring grants.

What sorts of applications are successful?

The application is potentially in competition with applications from many of Victoria's best contemporary and regional galleries. The application is intended to ensure that, not only is your project of high quality and will engage audiences, it is going to be professionally developed and managed. The project also must be financially viable with all aspects of the development and tour carefully costed within in the budget. Consider all scenarios and their financial implications, such as storage between venues, conservation, etc.

If I get an Exhibition Development Fund grant, how to I develop the tour?

Whilst Exhibition Development Fund grant recipients may chose to tour the exhibition in-house, NETS Victoria welcomes the opportunity to discuss entering into a partnership whereby our organisation would collaborate in the development of the exhibition and subsequently manage the tour. Both organisations would jointly apply for funding for the tour.

Where can I get funding to tour my exhibition?

The Exhibition Development Fund (EDF) grant can only be used to offset the costs of developing a touring exhibition. Arts Victoria's Touring Victoria program, and the Federal Government's Visions of Australia program provide funding to cover the cost of getting your project on the road. See here for further information: