Let’s be honest.
Nobody reads policy plans and mission statements for fun.
However, sometimes it’s important to study such texts thoroughly.
For example, if you apply for a grant.
Take Anita, who is trying to get a grant from the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts (AFK). Anita is making a film about tango.
In the policy plan of the AFK, Anita identifies the following aspects the organization considers important:
- art that gives meaning to life in the city
- art on behalf of the city of Amsterdam and its inhabitants
- Amsterdam as a cultural, international metropolis
- art accessible to the people of Amsterdam in every neighbourhood
Though it’s not that difficult to figure out aspects like that, not everyone who applies for a grant does so.
Anita’s list then helps her to emphasize the right aspects in her application. For example:
- The film largely takes place in Amsterdam, and the ‘main characters’ live in Amsterdam.
- The film shows the international Amsterdam tango scene.
- Tango is a way to experience meaning, beauty and community in a large, anonymous city.
- Anita and her crew have been living in Amsterdam for over 10 years.
- Venues in 4 Amsterdam neighborhoods have agreed to show the film.
These aren’t groundbreaking points. But without such a list, you won’t probably think of them all.
Which policy plan are you studying soon?
Regards,
Arnaud