Cooler Clinics Online February: AI & Funding Applications

Each month, Improvised Music Company hosts Cooler Clinic CPD events at The Cooler at The Complex or Online.

In February, we’re hosting an online discussion exploring how AI tools like ChatGPT can help (and hinder!) your funding applications. While AI can assist in structuring ideas, refining writing, and making the application process smoother, there are also pitfalls to watch out for—including generic or non-specific language, misalignment with funding criteria, and ethical concerns.

This session will cover:

How to use AI effectively in writing grant applications
Prompting strategies to get the best results from ChatGPT
Common mistakes AI can introduce and how to avoid them
The environmental impact of AI, including energy use and water consumption

We'll have a short talk on best practices, followed by plenty of time for feedback on applications you’re working on - these may include the Arts Council Music Bursary and Agility Awards, Local Council Awards, and Commission and Residency pitches such as for the Music Current Commission and for the Dun-Laoghaire Rathdowne Residency.

You can also use the one-to-one time to talk to the IMC team about any concerns you have around funding opportunities you’d like to apply for, such as:

Getting another pair of eyes on an application for any mistakes or areas of possible misunderstanding.
Gaining external perspective on the goals of your draft application in relation to the award’s guidelines.
Discussing draft budgets, the budgeting process, and any questions you have, or working with us to create a budget structure you can use.
Getting feedback on or ideas for supporting documentation.

If you don’t have a specific opportunity in mind but want to become more comfortable with the funding process, feel free to bring a previous application, a previous draft, or even just a starting idea.

IMC is not a funding body, but having been a part of many applications over the years, we can offer advice based on our experience and provide a fresh pair of eyes over text, budgets, or supporting documentation.

As always, one-to-one conversations can cover any career concerns—from social media to releasing music, booking gigs, and more.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Sign up to reserve your spot!

Book here