Isabelle Reynaud is a grant writing Queen.
Since returning to Townsville in 2021 she has attracted funding through grants and partnerships for her alt-pop alter ego Isadore, her groovy electronic-disco duo Comfort Royale and to stage a free four-hour music event at this year’s North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA).
Most recently, Isabelle was announced as a successful recipient of Arts Queensland’s Individuals Fund for 2022. This funding will support the creative development, recording and presentation of Isabelle’s debut self-produced album Seven.
Where to start with grant writing?
Isabelle says she finds advice and support in family and friends when grant writing.
“I’ve got some really amazing mentors,” she said.
“Mum (Jane Pirani, owner of Ann Roberts School of Dance), after writing grants for so many years at Dancenorth, has got a pretty good eye for it. Having her read my applications has improved my writing so much.
“That has been really helpful: drawing from peers and mentors when writing grants.
“If people are willing to read your grant – let them!” she continued.
Embracing creative collaboration
In piecing together her grant applications, Isabelle has looked for ways to maximise collaborative opportunities with other local artists.
“My plan for Seven is to write an album but also collaborate with musicians in Townsville,” she says.
“In my application I worked out, for example, a studio day working with my friend Rike who’s a cellist and another day with my friend Naomi who’s a harpist.
“I’m also working with a photographer from Townsville.
“So just really finding more Townsville-based artists to work with.”
By bringing in these paid opportunities for artists Isabelle is wanting to set the bar high and keep pushing the envelope on the music and production scene in Townsville.
“If people are willing to read your grant – let them!”
“The more we create a vibe, the more people want to taste it and the more we can expand people’s expectations of what is around Townsville,” she says.
“It’s a team effort from so many people. I think that’s what’s really nice about being back in Townsville; it feels like a community that cares.
“If you get that support, you want to give back.”
Creating space for growth
From her previous EP Sun Queen to her writing now forSeven, Isabelle has had the chance to reflect on this new era for her alt-pop songstress Isadore and what it means for her new album.
“Sun Queen was about discovering myself and getting through the bullshit, but I look at that now and I’m like ‘chill, I’m alright now!’
“With Seven I think the image is renewed skin after seven years of going through this cycle, I’m coming out the other side.
“You just get better at dealing with things and seeing the positives. I mean what’s the point? life’s too short not to do that,” laughed Isabelle.
Keep an eye out for Isadore’s upcoming Album “Seven” with an EP of her single “Don’t Wake Me” due to release in the coming months.
