Here you will find all the information you require if you are interested in being a Host.
HOST SELECTION PROCESS
The Host will define their situation, need, and desired goal. Hosts will be selected based on their level of need and a commitment to adopt new technological practices.
A Host’s need could be in areas such as audience development (e.g. developing social networks), artistic programming (e.g. trying new types of artistic digital practice as they relate to the Host's core activity) and internal operations (e.g. enhancing internal networks or processes).
The Australia Council will then match your needs and desired goals with a shortlist of suitable Geeks. You will then have the chance to talk to all of your shortlist, before making a decision.
As a Host you will need to be a legally constituted arts organisation in receipt of Australia Council funding and demonstrate:
1. Openness to adopting new ideas and processes in all aspects of your organisation, including artistic programming, market development and operations.
2. Identification of the outcomes you aim to achieve in each of these areas over the residential period.
3. Commitment to pay a minimum of half the Geek’s salary for the period of the residency*. The Australia Council will subsidise placements up to a capped amount of $25,000. The period of the residency can be flexible but will likely not exceed six months. Whilst the salary will be negotiated, an indicative full time range would be $60,000-$100,000 per annum, pro rata. For example, a six month placement would pay between $30,000-$50,000, with the Host paying around half.
4. A welcoming environment for the Geek, including access to all areas of the organisation, IT support where necessary, and whole of organisation support for the program.
THE RESIDENCY
Once selected, you will work together with your Geek to generate a detailed project plan. This should include:
• start and end dates
• working hours (full/part time)
• payment schedule
• schedule for target areas (artistic programming, market development and operations)
• mutually agreed outcomes
During the process, there will be regular meetings between the Australia Council and both the Geek and Host.
At the end of the process, both parties will be asked to write a report outlining the overall experience. You will reflect on your original desired outcomes to see if they were achieved. A shift might occur in the desired outcomes, but providing this has been discussed with us in advance, this is to be expected.
KEY DATES
18th December 5pm EDST - Applications close. (UPDATE: The deadline has been extended)
Mid January - Host conversations with shortlisted Geeks.
Early February - Detailed project plans completed.
Mid Feb / onwards - Residencies start.
End July - Residencies end.
APPLICATION
Please apply by completing the application form here. If you have questions, you might want to check here to see if they have already been asked/answered.
UPDATE: The 2009/2010 rounds for the Geek in Residence and Digital Culture Fund have closed. We will announce any further opportunities as soon as they are available.
* If you think you will not able to contribute half of the Geek's salary for your desired residency duration, please outline your circumstances and how else you propose to support the placement, e.g. in-kind support, accommodation, etc.
