Funding Guidelines

Fees & Expenses

Academi does not fix the levels of fees paid to writers for various kinds of performances and workshops, but we are uniquely placed to observe the current ranges of fees being agreed between writers and promoters for workshops, readings and lectures. These can vary according to the experience of the writer, whether special preparation work is involved beforehand, and whether significant amounts of time are spent in travelling to and from the event.

Based on our observation of the fees charged by writers in Wales, the following ranges may be useful to promoters when they discuss fees with writers:

• A writer in school for a day: between £120-£200; for half a day: between £70-£120
• A prepared one-hour lecture or talk: between £40-£100
• A 1-2 hour workshop or lecture which requires special preparation or follow-up work: between £60-£200
• A solo performance or "star" spot on a bill of several writers: between £60-£200 according to duration, reputation of the writer etc
• A mixed evening with a number of writers: from £20 to £60 each with performance times of 10-20 minutes each
  

Parameters for particular events not covered above should be discussed with Academi prior to approach to the writer/s concerned. It is up to the organiser to agree the fee with the writer and to haggle if necessary.

Travel expenses are also a matter for prior negotiation. For shorter journeys these should cover the writer’s actual costs of petrol, train or bus. The costing of longer journeys should be based on the cheapest available apex train fares where appropriate. The Academi can only consider contributing towards travel expenses when details of these are included with the organiser’s application. Academi may also consider contributing towards overnight accommodation charges where necessary. A maximum overnight rate of £40 dinner, bed & breakfast per night is recommended and the Academi will not contribute more than half of this sum. Subsistence costs can only be considered when included in the organiser’s original application.

Whilst Academi welcomes and encourages organisers who bring in writers from across the border, we feel it inappropriate to offer greater support towards such events than we would were Welsh-based writers involved. We will not therefore contribute more than half of the higher fees in the ranges above. Travel expenses and overnight subsistence, after prior discussion with the Academi, may, however, be included in applications for support towards these events.