Numeric score Word value Explanation 6 Exceptional The application addresses all relevant aspects of the criterion comprehensively and in an exemplary manner. There are no shortcomings whatsoever. This score is reserved for the very best elements of applications and will be used very sparingly. 5.5 At the top end of ‘Excellent’. 5 Excellent The application addresses all relevant aspects of the criterion convincingly and successfully. It provides all the information and evidence needed, and there are no concerns or areas of weakness. 4.5 At the top end of ‘Very good’. 4 Very good The application addresses the criterion very well. It gives clear information on the evidence needed. Any concerns or areas of weakness are minor. 3.5 At the top end of ‘Good’. 3 Good The application addresses the criterion well, although some improvements could be made. It gives information on nearly all of the evidence needed, although there are some gaps. 2.5 Between ‘Sufficient’ and ‘Good’. 2 Sufficient The application broadly addresses the criterion, but there are weaknesses. It gives relevant information, but there are several areas where detail is lacking or the information is unclear. 1.5 At the bottom end of ‘Sufficient’. 1 Poor The application provides very little evidence or relevant information in the context of the criterion, and is not compelling or persuasive in a context. 0 Inadequate The application fails to address the criterion or cannot be judged due to missing or incomplete information. How are scores weighted? Each score offered under each criterion will be multiplied by a weighting to get a rating. The ratings are determined by the relative importance the Arts Council places on each criterion. The final score is expressed as a percentage. The following percentiles and weightings will be used:
Percentile Weighting Public engagement (audience development and participation) 25% (4.16) Festival priorities 25% (4.16) Artistic merit 20% (3.33) Artform/arts-practice priorities 20% (3.33) Feasibility 10% (1.69) Total 100% Example Criterion Weighting Percentage Public engagement (audience development and participation) 5.0 (4.16) 20.8% Festival priorities 4 (4.16) 16.6% Artistic merit 4.5 (3.33) 14.9% Artform/arts-practice priorities 4.5 (3.33) 14.9% Feasibility 4 (1.69) 6.8% Total 74.0% How do scores relate to funding offers? Scores will play a significant part in the making of funding offers, and those applications scoring 60% and above will be shortlisted and considered for funding. Funding amounts will reflect the overall budgetary context in which the Arts Council is operating, along with the competitive nature of the scheme. As part of our ongoing relationship-management process, scores will also be used to inform discussions with organisations on areas where they are doing well and where there might be scope for improvement. We do not disclose the identities of other applicants or share information with applicants about the scores achieved by other applicants. 3.5 Outcome of applications All applicants are informed in writing about the outcome of their application. If your application is successful, you will be sent a letter of offer detailing the amount of funding you have been awarded and the terms and conditions of the award. You will also be told how to go about drawing down your award.