A call for the Performing Arts: an effective evaluation instrument.

by Area Attivitŕ culturali

In 2002 the Compagnia di San Paolo launched the first call for the performing arts. In its two versions (“In Compagnia della Musica” and “In Compagnia del Teatro”), the call aimed to support annual music and theater programs in Piedmont, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta. Since 2007, under the new title “Arti Sceniche” (Performing Arts), the call was redesigned and today, in its 10th edition, it has become an effective instrument to support this sector and to award grants based on a targeted approach. Rigorous project analysis, evaluation and monitoring ensures that funding is used effectively and prevents the scattering of resources.
Through this call the Compagnia has awarded a large amount of funds: 917 initiatives were financed from 2002 to 2011, totaling 33,726,200 euros.
There are aspects that have always characterized the call for the performing arts: a rigorous selection procedure, great emphasis on accountability also in the non-profit sector of cultural activities where good planning and sound financial management are as essential as in other areas, particularly in the current economic scenario; coherent and transparent evaluation criteria; special care in monitoring administrative and management aspects of each selected project; a swift dedicated procedure and, since 2007, a fixed number of receivable applications for the purpose of rewarding high quality and encouraging applicants to become more and more skilled at participating in the call.
These aspects have led operators in the performing arts and other public and private sponsors to acknowledge that the call brings out the very best in non-profit initiatives and programs.
From a structural point of view, the call has found a solid and articulated identity. It defines in clear terms relevant targets and eligible proposals, but it also encourages innovation and creativity, with a view to promoting cross-contamination among artistic genres and languages and joint efforts that bring down costs and favor a process of cultural osmosis. New productions, first performances and the participation of young artists are expected to contribute to establishing new connections with the audience, as shown in two surveys carried out through two participating institutions in 2008 and 2009. In this sense, in 2011 a new experimental project titled “Retro Scene” was launched for training in the management of non-profit performing arts events.
“Arti Sceniche” is also the first call that will be launched using the new online application system. This effort required a rethinking of the application forms that are now in line with the new digital procedures adopted by the Compagnia, and the call’s objectives have also changed, while the same operational approach and rigorous selection procedures still apply. The brand new online notice was published in the early days of this year.