Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to develop concepts for arts organisations or for specific arts projects. It includes the need for concept generation, communication and consultation on the concept, and development of the concept to a pre-operational stage. Concepts may be required for a wide range of purposes including programs, events, exhibitions or administrative structures. This work would usually be carried out autonomously and may include responsibility for others.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Prerequisite units 

This unit has strong linkages to other general management units that focus on development and planning skills, and combined assessment and/or training with those units is recommended.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Clarify context for the concept .

1.1 Investigate and clarify the overall purpose for the concept .

1.2 Investigate and clarify initial possibilities for realising the concept.

1.3 Refine and clarify the key objectives for the concept in consultation with relevant colleagues and stakeholders.

2 Generate concept .

2.1 Generate a range of different, innovative and creative approaches for the concept.

2.2 Review different approaches for technical feasibility, innovation, creativity and acceptance to client/audience.

2.3 Identify potential constraints  and access their impact on the concept.

2.4 Take account of social, ethical and environmental impacts in generating the concept.

2.5 Select possible approaches that meet the key objectives, and draft proposals  in an appropriate format.

3 Consult on concept .

3.1 Identify key stakeholders  with whom consultations should be held, including the need for expert advice.

3.2 Develop and implement an appropriate consultation strategy .

3.3 Establish commitment and support for the proposed concept.

4 Adjust and refine concept .

4.1 Determine advantages and disadvantages of different approaches based on consultation, creativity and operational feasibility.

4.2 Evaluate concept and select final approach to meet the desired outcome.

5 Develop concept to pre-operational stage .

5.1 Develop specifications or initial plans for the implementation of the concept, including information on resources, technical and other operational requirements.

5.2 Present or communicate specifications or plans to relevant parties for approval, funding or endorsement.

Required Skills and knowledge 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills :

• report/proposal writing skills
• networks and stakeholders in the relevant areas of the arts
• communication skills in relation to consulting with others on concepts and ideas
• research and analytical skills.

Required knowledge :

• in-depth industry knowledge of the relevant area of the arts
• technical knowledge sufficient to inform realistic concept development to a pre-operational stage
• appropriate ways of documenting different types of arts concepts/proposals.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

• development of a concept for an arts organisation or project which meets overall objectives
• communication skills demonstrated through effective consultation processes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

The assessment context must provide for:

• practical demonstration of skills through the development of a concept for an arts organisation or project to meet a specific industry need
• consultation/interaction with others to reflect the communication aspects of this unit.

Method of assessment 

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

• evaluation of concept proposals and specifications developed by the candidate
• evaluation of reports prepared by the candidate detailing approaches to concept development, challenges faced and how these were addressed
• case studies to assess ability to apply the concept development process to different situations and contexts
• review of portfolios of evidence
• third party workplace reports of performance by the candidate.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Assessment of this unit requires access to the materials resources and equipment needed to develop concepts, e.g. relevant documentation.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Concepts  may be developed for a wide range of purposes within an arts context including:

• administration
• creative policy
• exhibitions
• festivals
• funding sources
• management structures
• marketing approaches
• public programs
• the creation of an arts organisation.

Concept constraints  may relate to:

• community context
• financial or other resource constraints
• philosophy/vision of the organisation
• profit requirements
• technical feasibility
• timing.

Appropriate formats for proposals  may include:

• briefs
• reports
• submissions for funding
• technical specifications.

Key stakeholders  may include:

• boards or committees
• existing staff or management
• financial contributors to the organisation
• government representatives
• nominations or representatives from other organisations
• policy makers
• potential audience groups
• potential exhibitors or user groups
• reference groups.

Consultation strategy  may include:

• advertising
• discussions
• distribution of policy documents/reports
• internal communications
• interviewing
• mail outs
• presentations
• press releases
• telephone campaigns.