What Is The Realise Your Dream Award?
Realise Your Dream is a professional development award developed
by British Council Australia. It is open to citizens and permanent
residents aged 30 and under on 31 July 2008.
There are six Realise Your Dream Awards to be won.
Winners receive:
- A tailor-made professional development visit to
the UK designed by the British Council in consultation with the
winner
- A return economy flight to the UK thanks to British
Airways valued at AU$2,500
- $8,000 cash to help cover living expenses in the
UK
When Do Applications Open?
Applications open on 15th January 2008
When Do Applications Close?
All application material must be posted online using the Application
Form by Thursday 31st July 2008, and (for mailed support material)
sent to us at PO Box 88, Edgecliff, NSW 2027 and postmarked on or
before the closing date, Thursday 31st July 2008.
What qualities are the judges looking for in a Realise Your
Dream winner?
- Clearly defined career goals
- Determination to succeed in your creative field
- Awareness of your industry
- Experience
- Ability to communicate your talent and strengths
- A clear idea of how you would benefit from visiting
the UK
- Potentiall for you to strengthen the relationship
between Australia and the UK
How Do I Apply?
Visit the How To Enter section of this
website for details on the application process.
How Many Times Can I Apply?
You can apply only once. If you do submit more than one application
only your first one will be considered.
Can I apply as a collective?
Collaborative practitioners may apply collectively,
but they are eligible for one award only. The prize remains the
same in terms of scope and value. Furthermore, each member of
the group wishing to be considered for the award will need to
demonstrate their individual suitability against the same criteria.
For applications by collectives each member of the collective
must complete a separate application form. Collectively they will
need to demonstrate how they will make the opportunity and the
award work for them as a group – creatively, logistically,
and financially. More information is available in the Terms
& Conditions.
Do You Have Any Tips On Applying?
Plan what you want to get across in your message and make sure
you address the criteria . You have been asked to discuss:
- Your talent, ability to succeed and awareness
of your industry
- What your Dream is
- Why a short trip to the UK will help you achieve
that Dream
- What makes you stand out from the crowd
Focus on the topic. Remember that we have lots of
applications to look at, so it's important to get your message across
clearly and concisely.
Your technical skills are not being assessed in presenting your
application (unless they are an integral part of your chosen field),
but presentation and style are important. We want to see how well
you can communicate your interest in your chosen field and your
plans for success.
Is There An Age Limit?
Yes, applications are open to Australians aged 30 and
under as at Thursday 31st July 2008.
What Are The Creative Industries
The creative industries can be defined as those areas of professional
practice that have their origin in individual creativity, skill
and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation.
Examples are:
* advertising
* animation
* architecture
* design
* designer fashion
* digital media
* drawing
* film and video
* film art
* interactive leisure software
* installation
* music
* the performing arts
* painting
* photo media
* print making
* publishing
* sculpture
* software and computer games
* television and radio
* video art
What Format Should My Application Be In?
You must fill out the online application for on the How
To Enter page of this website. Additional support material
can be in any format you choose: a blog, a Flickr site, a MySpace
page, a portfolio of work (though remember we cannot return submitted
items), a DVD – it's up to you. Your application must address
the selection criteria however, and clearly demonstrate a body
of work for consideration.
See the How to Enter Page for more details
Do I Need To Submit A Portfolio With My Application?
It is up to you to present examples of your work in the way you
feel is most appropriate. If you make it to the finals you will
have the opportunity to present a folio of your work. If you do
want to submit printed materials to support your application you
are welcome to.
Please note that we are unable to return any submitted material
. Please do not send us original materials.
I Want To Send You Some Of My Work. Where Should I Send
It To?
All examples of work should be sent, with your contact details
clearly marked somewhere on the work, to: Realise Your Dream Application,
c/o British Council Australia, PO Box 88, Edgecliff, NSW, 2027
Will I Get My Work Back?
Work submitted for entry will not be returned. You are advised
to think carefully before sending original items, and keep copies
of everything submitted.
When Will I Hear About My Application?
We are yet to confirm exact dates, but you will be informed in
mid-August of the outcome of your application.
When Are The Semi-Finals?
We are yet to confirm exact dates, but semi-final interviews will
be held throughout August. We will interview in Brisbane, Sydney,
Melbourne and Perth, though we reserve the right not to hold interviews
in one or more of these cities should numbers make it unreasonable
for us to travel there. Semi-finalists from cities we are not
visiting will be given the opportunity to interview in another
city, and we will try to organise a city and date which is convenient
for you.
When Are The Finals?
We are yet to confirm an exact date, but the finals will be held
in Sydney in late August.
What If I Cannot Attend One Of The Interviews?
If you are physically unable to attend either the regional semi-final
or national final due to work, a prior engagement, or unforeseen
circumstances, you will not be eligible for the award.
Who Pays For Travel Costs?
The British Council will reimburse travel costs for semi-finalists
and finalists who reside outside metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne,
Brisbane or Perth. Friends and family will have to pay for their
own travel costs.
How Is My Professional Programme In The UK Arranged?
British Council Australia will work with you to design the ideal
programme for your visit to the UK. Using our contacts in the
creative industries and visual arts we will match your dreams
with the best possible career development opportunities.
Can I Choose Who I Can Work With?
We will try to match your preferences with individuals and organisations
in the UK. No guarantees will be made that you will be able to
work with specific people or companies.
Will I Get Paid For My Work In The UK?
All placements in the UK are non-paid positions. The award provides
$8,000 to help cover living expenses in the UK.
How Long Can I Stay In The UK?
You can stay in the UK as long as your visa permits.
When Do I Go To The UK?
Successful Applicants must depart for the UK by 31 st March 2009.
What Kind Of Visa Will I Need?
Applicants need to be holders of or eligible for an Australian
passport and any necessary visas
Who Pays For The Visas?
Applications and costs for UK visas are the responsibility of
winners.
What Is The British Council?
The British Council is the UK's official agency for international
cultural relations.
Our purpose is to build mutually beneficial relationships between
people in the UK and other countries and to increase appreciation
of the UK's creative ideas and achievements.
Our mission statement is: Creating opportunity worldwide.
We are achieving this in Australia through:
- Scholarships and Award programmes to the UK
- Educational opportunities in the UK for Australians
- UK arts and science events in Australia
www.britishcouncil.org.au
