1. Definitions of practice and Cultural Context

Define areas of activity:
 

• "moving image" and multimedia production
• tools development: software and hardware
• infrastructure: production, distribution, exhibition
• education/training/collaboration/networking

Define areas of "cultural work" and "independent practice" as against commercial work and vocational training: with reference to outputs, users and financial models.

Make connections between LFVDA remit, and defined areas of digital media practice.
 

2. Operating Context

An up to date description of activity in business/industry, education, and brief survey of training in the cultural sector, arts institutions, networks and independent spaces.
 

3. Funding needs of the Digital Media arts sector

Define areas of need and their financial models:
 

• Production processes
• networking and information sharing
• collaboration
• marketing, distribution, exhibition.

4. Existing funding:

Survey existing funding and the cultural remit of funders such as:
 

•  Arts: ACE and LA
• Cultural/Technical/Scientific (e.g. NESTA, DTI,Sci-art programme)
• Business development/regeneration
• European funds

Evaluate the strengths and shortcomings of the funding sources and their financial models with reference to the needs of the digital media arts sector (include issues such as IPR, match funding, cash-flow and administrative overhead which have tended to be barriers to the use of some funds)

5.  Identify gaps in current funding provision and appropriate funding models to address them.

6. Recommendations:

Recommendations should have particular reference to:
 

• continuity with LFVDA's remit in film and video (in particular, addressing diversity and Œbarriers to access¹)
• the identified needs of the sector in London in the short, medium and long term
• developing awareness and transparency of LFVDAs work in the area

Research Methodology:

Desk research: reading and evaluating key documents from major cultural and economic development/regeneration funders: ACE, LA, GoL, LDA, LFVDA, EU, DTI, NESTA

Client/practitioner input: Gathering feedback and perspectives on funding issues from existing clients and prospective clients: via meetings, telephone, email and requesting contributions to an open web-based discussion board.

Meetings: with key funders, organisations, individuals - especially in the Objective 2 funding area:

- Simon Worthington (MUTE/youarehere)
- James Stevens (deckspace/consume.net)
- Saul Albert (Limehouse Boxing Club)
- Richard Pierre Davies (Mongrelx)
- Manu Luksch (Ambient Space)
- Estella Rushija (Digital Guild)
- Amanda King (consultant, LA) and others at LA
- Graham Hitchen (GLA)
- Tom FlemingTower Hamlets CIDA
- Naomi Kingsley
- Andrew Chetty (ICA)
- Joan Leese (VET)
- Richard Stubbs - Newham Online
- Marc Boothe
- Desperate Optimists
- London Arts - individuals to be confirmed/font>
- Arts Council of England, Gary Thomas, Joanna Bewick and others tbc and others tbc

Others tbc

LFVDA: ongoing discussions with LFVDA as necessary

Research will focus on the Objective 2 area in order to encompass all the funding sources and models available, but recommendations will address issues across the whole of London.

Lisa Haskel
7 May 2002
 

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