Firstly, supporters to fund your work need something to get their head around. You need to explain in brief the message and purpose of your work. What will it look like when complete?

• Approach suppliers/manufacturers/tradespeople - pro-bono or at cost.
• Once you get one or two on board, others will follow.
• Approach TAFE, technical college and other skilled training institutions. The staff there may give their students extra training by helping out on your work, and you may also have material costs met within the college’s budget.
• Offer them acknowledgement on signage describing your work = free advertising for them.
• Put their names on your website and other social media saying ‘acknowledgement to…’
• Consider seeking crowdfunding.
• Spend a bit yourself. This shows to others you have skin in the game and are willing to go the extra mile to achieve your goals. Remember, any dollars you spend and travelling you do in developing and making your works is tax deductible.
• Approach local media and the wider media. If they see your sculpture has a meaningful purpose, even in its initial stage, other donors may come on board to assist.
• Consider materials Vs impact. Less expensive materials does not diminish your sculpture’s power. Eg 9/11 Decade of Remembrance used porcelain and was very inexpensive to create.
• Consider materials that may have deep symbolic meaning yet be intrinsically free to obtain. Eg the sands from Cook’s landing location in Kurnell, the sands from Albany’s Gallipoli wharf line, pine needles from the original Lone Pine Tree in Canberra, impressions from a world renowned object eg the impression iron girder from 9/11 World Trade Centre in New York that was used to imprint on the porcelain pebbles.

• Garner key supporters. Do your research to find out who has a vested interest in your work.
• Once you get one or two institutions and supporters on board, others are likely to follow.
• Begin the dialogue. Ask for a brief meeting. Most will say yes. Again, write up a brief message for use in an email that explains the significance of your work and include a strong image of the proposed work.
• When a meeting takes place and you present your proposal, you need to then actively listen. My original proposition for the Reconciliation Sculpture was an obelisk idea (a replica of the current obelisk at Kurnell). This was frowned upon as a symbol of white imperial dominance. By listening, your work may take you in directions that produces a community led result and can open new doors..eg The rally march, NSW National Parks support, La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council support, Harold Thomas the designer of the Aboriginal flag support, The Australian newspaper’s coverage, going on Koori National Radio, the producers of the Yabun annual festival on Survival Day’s support…it just snowballed.
• Remember to always be business-like in replying and acting promptly on emails, messages, phone calls and attending meetings.
• If writing is not your ‘thing’, find someone who supports you who can assist you. A simple but strong message can open doors.
• Sometimes you may get followers who can’t provide anything material but who will write a letter of support. This can also give you momentum.
• Keep your supporters regularly informed of the progress of your work. Keeping them in the loop will assist them in maintaining their support and increase your genuine bond with them. I have made long term friendships with key stakeholders for my work.
• Never give up. If you have a key supporter that you are counting on and they knock you back, work on an alternative supporter and be creative to find other avenues.

It is true, a picture is worth a thousand words.

• A strong photo image sells your message.
• Plan ahead for the best location, right light, strong angle and the best time of the year. Consider your work in special atmospheric situations, such as appearing out of the mist.
• Look for and invest in the services of a good photographer.

• Write a compelling, catchy headline.
• Add more written context with a sub headline.
• Convey the news value to the press.
• Offer a tempting quote from key people involved in your work.
• Provide valuable background information on the subject.
• Summarize the 'who' and the 'what', ‘where’ and ‘why’.
• Include contact information.
• Proofread before publishing.
• Read a newspaper or online news source and ask yourself, what news items grab my attention more than others. Then analyse why one strong article works better than the others. Apply what you have learnt in your own press release.
• Politely follow up with calling or messaging the reporter or editorial section. They are incredibly busy people and an initial nil response doesn’t mean you are off their radar.

© Gary Grant