You have a concept that everyone is excited about. You have a plan that feels solid. You have confidence in your partner and feel that you have the basis for a strong working relationship.
Now may be a good time to take a moment and check that you haven't forgotten anything.
Have you..
- Lined up the resources? Money, time, people…
- Organised a project coordinator (within the school) who has the mandate and time to organise project meetings and logistics?
- Ensured that the school principal understands and is supportive of the project?
- Ensured that the partners and students are on board with a concept that they feel is strong, challenging and inspiring?
- Developed a plan for how to integrate the project into the curriculum, timetable and school priorities?
- Confirmed artist/s availability for the project duration?
- Made key staff at the school (and arts organisation) aware of the project and have appropriate staff been invited to participate?
- Drawn up a detailed project plan which includes drivers, concept, a professional learning session, regular meetings, budget, curriculum plans, roles and responsibilities, timeline etc?
- Identified a realistic number of participants?
- Booked rooms and other working spaces
- Ensured appropriate police or working with children checks for artists?
- Ensured artists are covered by public liability (either their own, school's or arts organisation's)
- Introduced the artist/s to their new workplace - the staffroom, classrooms, toilets, protocols, people?
- Developed a project documentation and evaluation plan?
If you have done all of this then you are well on your way to a satisfying and successful partnership. If you haven't - don't sweat (yet). Partnerships take time and energy, but thankfully they are never just a solo effort.