Arts OutWest supports or partners on occasional projects across the region as the auspicing body (also sometimes called a ‘funds manager’).
What is an auspice?
Individuals, partnerships, groups and unincorporated organisations (auspicees) seeking funding from government often need to identify an incorporated auspicing organisation (auspicor) to apply for funding on their behalf. This is because governments can only enter into a funding agreement with a legally constituted, not‐for‐profit, incorporated organisation.
This is a role Arts OutWest has filled on many occasions.
“The role of an auspicing organisation (auspicor) is to take responsibility for the… funding, provide project management assistance to the auspicee and keep financial records on the funded activity. This arrangement is used to ensure there is monitoring of the management of the finances and the maintenance of proper financial records. This assists [the funding body] in meeting audit requirements and provides a safeguard for the funding body and funding recipients.” – Create NSW
Auspicing is a practical and valuable solution for many funded arts-based projects, artists and groups, tapping into Arts OutWest’s expertise, experience and respected position in the industry.
When Arts OutWest auspices
We take on an auspice for an unincorporated group, individual artists or others unable to directly apply for funding. We have also auspiced funds for projects in partnership with local government or an activity within a state government program or service who would not be permitted to apply for state or federal funding.
We typically limit our auspicing role to either projects or applicants in our geographic footprint, and within the arts and heritage sector.
We consider how well a project fits within our remit, current capacity and our strategic plan.
We consider the capacity of the auspicees (ie. the people with the idea, doing the work) to deliver the project and what level of additional support we might be required to provide.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Sometimes the auspicee leads the application process; Sometimes we collaborate on building the project and application together.
If the funding is successful, the funds will come to Arts OutWest. We then manage the funds and often other admin elements of the project such as employment contracts, superannuation, insurance and payroll. We work with the auspicee to make sure the budget, timeline and finances are appropriately managed, and the funding is correctly acquitted. We have all funding audited by external auditors.
Sometimes the auspiced project becomes a bigger partnership making use of Arts OutWest staff or resources in other areas. This could include any of these things:
- arrangement of insurance and other legal requirements for the project
- use of office space and equipment
- financial and budget advice during the project
- collaborating on timelines and production planning
- further funding applications
- marketing, promotion and publicity expertise for the project
- venue or equipment bookings
- mentoring of project leaders
- in an producer role for performance/ touring works
The exact set up and relationship of the auspice or partnership varies from project to project.
“Although the auspicor is not responsible for the artistic direction or the artistic quality of the project for which funding was granted it is recognised that the relationship between auspicor and auspicee may be much broader than the key responsibilities.” – Create NSW
Costs?
As an auspicor Arts OutWest usually charges a small percentage of the overall funding as a fee to cover our staff time and direct admin costs. This percentage is by negotiation and should be built into the overall funding application. The fee will be shown in the application budget as an expense.
Examples
See a range of projects we have auspiced at the SUPPORTED PROJECTS page.
To start a conversation about how we might support your project idea contact our executive director (details below).
