Daron Letts
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 29/05) - Ever since Plato wrote down his drunken conversations about what makes stuff beautiful - and perhaps even long before that - debate has raged about the definition of art.

The NWT Arts Council simplifies the discussion for us.

The council's funding application guidelines define art as "an expression in the visual, literary, performing or media arts, through the use of individual skills and creativity."

Earlier this month, the council awarded 84 grants to artists and organizations throughout the territories, totalling $355,000.

The deadline for the 2006 grants is Feb. 28.

"It's a good idea to plan ahead," said Boris Atamanenko, manager of community programming for the culture and heritage division of the GNWT department of Education, Culture and Employment. Atamanenko said he makes himself available to review application drafts by phone and e-mail in advance of the deadline.

"It is important for people to be very clear in what they're presenting to the council and state what they want to do, including their goals and ambitions for a future career in the arts," he said. "It's wise for people to look closely through the guidelines to the application forms."

He advises people to use straightforward language and to focus their itemized budgets on the specific aspects of a project that the council is being asked to assist with.

"Creativity, I think, is what the Arts Council members really want to embrace as a functional word," he said.

"They want to support people who are looking at doing something from their own thinking or experience in a creative way. They are interested in work that is original and doesn't mimic or plagiarize someone else's work in any medium."

The council awards grants to emerging artists who have demonstrated a growing interest in their field and who have community support and recognition.

Grants are also awarded to established artists who are well known for their work but wish to branch into new media or a new project that gives something back to the community.

"When there are so many people applying, it is a competitive process," he said. "The Arts Council is looking for that which is prepared thoroughly and conscientiously."

All applications submitted before midnight on Feb. 28, 2006, are treated equally, but the council encourages early submissions.

Late applications will not be accepted.

The grants are meant to serve projects that are about to be undertaken, not projects that are in process or completed.

"We're constantly upgrading our website," Atamanenko said. "There are some sample budgets typically used in applying for funds and there is also a sample report that people can provide at the end of their project."

Applications are reviewed by five council members representing the regions of the NWT: Sonny MacDonald (South Slave region), Ruth Wright (Inuvik region), George Tuccaro (North Slave region), Tonya Cazon (Deh Cho region) and Morris Neyelle (Sahtu region).

Guidelines and application forms are available on the council website at pwnhc.learnnet.nt.ca/artscouncil.

Funding priorities

* projects that enhance an applicant's personal growth and development in an art form

* projects that encourage others to pursue this art form or direction (i.e. workshops)

* projects that encourage the development of creative arts, as opposed to the sole financial gain of an artist or organization

* projects that enhance awareness of the NWT arts community

* emerging artists over established artists

* projects that support a number of individuals (i.e. workshops)