Young People and the Arts Australia (YPAA) are now accepting applications to participate in the Incubator Program. This new initiative will provide dedicated support for emerging and established arts organisations that focus on creating work for and with children and young people.

It is a formal relationship between YPAA and Australian arts organisations that are currently undergoing a period of growth or transition. The partnership allows YPAA to assist individuals within chosen organisations to develop and extend skills that will aid them in the preparation and implementation in areas such as the following:

− Strategic planning (eg: because existing plans are outdated)
− Advocacy advice to assist in building a support campaign
− Building relationships with peak arts bodies and government to help secure operational funding
− Showcasing opportunities and seeking new markets
− Tour support (eg: international travel)
− International and national practitioner networking and finding new collaborations
− New branding strategy and marketing campaign
− Constructive criticism for performance development

All applicants must be a current financial group/organisational member of YPAA, in a growth or start-up phase, and have ideas of the direction you would like your organisation/group to grow.

Organisations eligible to apply for the Incubator Program can be:

- Formal organisations, collectives or groups of artists
- Independently funded organisations
- Organisations that currently do not receive operational funding
- Organisations currently receiving operational funding; or
- Venues or centres

Applicants must answer three criteria questions, as well as fill in the appropriate paperwork.

Two organisations will be accepted in this first round of applications, for partnerships running from April to November 2010. Application deadline is 5pm Friday 12 March.

For application forms or more information, phone (07) 3254 0553, email or head to www.ypaa.net.