Evaluation of the MELT

Background

MELT is a model for utilising funds to develop pre-competitive research and development projects for creative content. Individuals or companies in South Yorkshire apply to the fund on a competitive basis. The current model is supported by public funding through Arts Council England, Yorkshire Forward and Objective One, which will cease in July 2008 at the end of a three year term.

Task

The MELT steering group requested an evaluation of MELT to review the effectiveness of procedures and the impact of the fund for applicants and recipients of the award. The project was also designed to feed into a review of the future of the fund after the current funding arrangements ceased to exist in 2008. The evaluation focused on three key issues: impact, sustainability and programme management.

Assignment

The evaluation is an interesting assignment because of the unique nature of the fund, and the innovating filming of recipient interviews. It is a longitudinal study conducted over three years. It involves management team and stakeholder consultations, applicant and recipient interviews, case studies and questionnaires. 

Findings

The findings of the interim stages of the project have provided impetus to the discussions of sustainability. The interim reports will feed into reviews of the impact of MELT.

Contact