The City of Melbourne are opening applications for $4,000 creative grants today, to fund projects and opportunities for Melbourne artists.
This is the latest in a series of funding announcements for Melbourne artists from the Melbourne city council aimed at funding local artist-led projects to attract visitors back into the CBD in November, when lockdown is scheduled to end.
The latest series are called ‘Quick Response Arts Grants’ that are up to $4,000, and will are designed to fund projects and opportunities that can be “delivered quickly for the benefit of city residents and visitors.”
What you need to know
- City of Melbourne have launched $4,000 grants for new arts projects
- Applications are open now until October 13
- They’re aimed at quick projects that will encourage visitors to the CBD
Stay up to date with what’s happening in Melbourne here.
“Our creative sector contributes significantly to what makes Melbourne unique, and we want to support our artists as they bring their ideas to life,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.
“Prior to the pandemic, artists contributed around $31 billion a year to Victoria’s economy. We know the sector has been hit hard by ongoing restrictions, which is why we’re investing around $4.8 million in a variety of creative funding programs this year, including our Quick Response Arts Grants.
“Whether it’s a performance, exhibition, installation or workshop, this round of grants will help our creatives share their work with the wider community.”
Creative Melbourne portfolio lead, Councillor Jamal Hakim, said the grants program will help bolster Melbourne’s reputation as a creative city.
“This program supports all forms of art – from visual artworks to musical masterpieces and the written word,” Cr Hakim said.
“We know that inspiration can strike at any time, or creatives may find themselves with a small window of opportunity, which is why this program is designed to accommodate projects with a quick turnaround.
“I encourage artists, authors and musicians of all backgrounds to flesh out their ideas and apply for a grant.”
Ceramicist William Eicholtz received a Quick Response Arts Grant earlier this year and is encouraging other artists to apply to the program.
“I made a group of ceramic sculptures during lockdown and the timing was perfect to show them in April and May on very short notice – far too short for any standard grant timelines,” Mr Eicholtz said.
“Within days, I had a response and knew I could make the exhibition everything I wanted it to be.”
While projects must be delivered in the City of Melbourne, or show a clear connection to it, applications are open to all artists living and working outside the municipality.
Applications are open until 5pm on Wednesday 13 October.
For more information, or to apply, visit the City of Melbourne website.
