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                    Arts grants

                    A person wearing a large golden crown and a gold face mask.

                    Image credit: Oshun, Amarantha Robinson. Photo Deshani Berhardt @Wild Hardt Photography

                    The City of Melbourne annual arts grants help exciting ideas come to life. Whether you compose, paint, sculpt, dance, write, perform, film or produce work unlike anything else, each year we offer grants of up to $20,000 to make your project happen.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2024 Annual Arts Grants

                    The ​2024 Annual Arts Grants are now closed.

                    ​Questions? Chat with us weekdays 9am to 5pm on 9658 9658, email artsgrants@melbourne.vic.gov.au or check out the FAQs below.​

                    Aboriginal Arts Projects

                    If you are applying for an Aboriginal arts project grant please note that application dates have changed to avoid key cultural events. Applications for Aboriginal arts project grants are now closed. For more information and guidelines please visit Aboriginal arts projects​

                    2024 Annual Arts Grants

                    102 artists and arts organisations received funding as part of our 2024 annual arts grants program.

                    See Annual arts grant recipients for details of the successful applicants, along with recipients from previous years.

                    Keep an eye on What’s On to see upcoming arts grants projects.

                    All applications are assessed by an independent external panel.

                    For information on other City of Melbourne funding opportunities, visit Grants and sponsorships

                    We’re committed to investing in the arts to foster the vibrant creative life of the city. Read more about the City of Melbourne objectives and priorities for A Creative City in Council Plan 2021-25Creative Strategy 2018-28 and Creative Funding Framework 2019-24.​

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                    Grants Briefing Presentation
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                    Grant writing tips from Arts grant recipients | City of Melbourne
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                    Akosia - Arts grant recipient
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                    John Neeson - Arts grant recipient
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                    Efren Pamilacan

                    Supporting resources

                    Arts grants FAQs

                    Can I apply for an arts grant outside of the current arts grants program?

                    No, all applications must be submitted during an active round. All rounds are now closed for 2023.​​

                    I have never applied/exhibited/performed before, am I eligible to apply?

                    ​Anyone with an exciting arts project for which they need funding is encouraged to apply.

                    I am a student; can I apply for a grant?

                    ​Students may apply for funding. However, the proposed activity must not be associated with the completion of a course of study.

                    Do I have to live in the City of Melbourne to be eligible for a grant?

                    ​No, but if the creative project does not result in a public outcome within the City of Melbourne boundaries (i.e. is online or a creative development only), it must demonstrate a connection to the City of Melbourne. Please see the guidelines for clarification.

                    Do I have to use a Council owned venue (for example the Melbourne Town Hall)?

                    ​No. Any venue can be used provided it is located within City of Melbourne boundaries. Refer to City of Melbourne suburbs map for the boundaries and Creative Spaces.

                    Where can my project or activity take place?

                    Public outcomes must take place within the City of Melbourne boundaries.

                    How do I secure a venue?

                    Applicants are only required to name a possible venue, but it must be within the City of Melbourne boundaries.  ​For assistance in finding a suitable venue for your project, visit Creative Spaces.

                    Can I do my project in outdoor spaces and the public realm?

                    If your project includes plans for activities in a public space (for example a park or street), it is an eligibility requirement to discuss your project with an arts grants program manager before submitting your application. You can contact the arts grants team weekdays 9am to 5pm on  9658 9658 or email artsgrants@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

                    Will I need to apply for a permit?

                    Permits are not required as part of the application process, however, there may be costs for use of outdoor spaces that need to be included in your budget. 

                    Relevant permits and approvals (such as an event permit) will be required should your application be successful.


                    How do I find approximate audience numbers for a project taking place in outdoor spaces or public realm?

                    We have an online program that estimates how many pedestrians pass a particular point in the city. This can be used to calculate your potential audience for your funding application.

                    For more information, see Pedestrian Counting System.

                    My project takes place in 2023; can I apply for a grant?

                    No, the annual arts grants are only for activities taking place in 2024.

                    Contact the art grants team for more details on 9658 9658 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) or email artsgrants@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

                    Can I apply for an arts grant as well as other City of Melbourne funding?

                    ​No. Projects that have already been funded by another City of Melbourne grants, sponsorship or expression-of-interest program are ineligible to apply to our annual arts grant program for the same project in the same year and the same round.

                    How long will it take to do an application online?

                    ​It depends on how complex your project is, but it usually takes more time than you think and some time to collect all necessary documentation. 

                    It is highly recommended that you start preparing your application early and do not leave it until the final day to submit.

                    Can I email my application?

                    No, we will not accept emailed applications. All applications must be completed online through SmartyGrants.

                    Can I send images, a DVD or other support material separately for my application?

                    No, the application is completed online and support material must be uploaded there. Support material is a requirement for all applications and should be relevant and relate specifically to your application.

                    Am I required to have confirmation of other funding sources before I apply to the City of Melbourne?

                    No. However, all funding sought from other sources must be included in the budget and identified as confirmed or unconfirmed.

                    Where do I find information about artists’ fees?

                    You can find information on artist fees for different art forms and roles from the following organisations:

                    When will I know if I’ve received a grant?

                    For the 2024 annual arts grants program, applicants will be notified by early October 2023, subject to Council approval.

                    If I am successful when do I get the funding?

                    Following successful applicants being notified, once all required information and documentation is provided (this includes a signed funding agreement), payment will be made as promptly as possible.

                    If I am successful for 2024 funding when can I start my project?

                    The project outcome can occur at any time between 1 January and 31 December 2024.

                    Can I sell the artwork that has been funded?

                    ​Yes.

                    Where are the acquittal details?

                    ​The acquittal will be made available to successful applicants online through SmartyGrants.

                    Can I apply for more than one project?

                    Applicants can only submit one application to our annual arts grant program each year.

                    Applicants cannot apply for an arts project and an arts residency in the same year.

                    All previously received City of Melbourne arts grants must be acquitted to be eligible.

                    Who assesses the arts grants?

                    All applications are assessed by an independent external panel.

                    Who can I talk to about the arts grants program or my project idea?

                    ​You can contact the arts grants team weekdays 9am to 5pm on 9658 9658 or email artsgrants@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

                    Accessibility

                    Arts grants and accessibility

                    ​​The arts grants are accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. Support is available for applicants to submit an application and funding is available to improve access requirements for delivery of projects. For further information, please contact Will Box on 0481 099 439 or email will.box@melbourne.vic.gov.au, or ​the program team on 9658 9658 or email artsgrants@melbourne.vic.gov.au

                    Resources for successful arts grant recipients

                    Completing a tax invoice

                    See our sample with instructions on creating your own tax invoice:

                    Sample tax invoice (PDF 159 KB)
                    Sample tax invoice (DOC 152 KB)

                    Event permit requirements

                    The Event Planning Guide offers information about what is required when applying for an event permit.

                    Obtaining public liability insurance

                    ​Creative Spaces provides information about public liability insurance requirements.

                    Inviting the Lord Mayor and Councillors to my event

                    If you want to invite the City of Melbourne Lord Mayor, Councillors or other Council representatives to your event, please follow our Invitation and ticketing process (DOC 55 KB).

                    City of Melbourne’s approach to art

                    Refer to the City of Melbourne's objectives and priorities via Creative Strategy 2018-28 and Creative Funding Framework​.

                    Social media, marketing and promotional tools

                    We deliver a range of marketing and communication activities throughout the year, with many aimed at supporting our city’s arts and culture programs and events. As an arts grant recipient, a range of promotional opportunities are available to you.

                    • What’s On website listing: Our What's On website receives around 360,000 visitors monthly so this offers an easy way for a wide audience to discover your project. Listings are free, and are a requirement for arts grant recipients. Listings should be submitted as soon as all your project details are confirmed or at least three weeks before the project commences.

                    • Social media channels: We have several different social media platforms. Once you have a What’s On listing, if you send us the link, an image and some information we may be able to promote your project or event on one of these platforms.

                    Affordable spaces in which to present my arts project

                    Creative Spaces showcases affordable spaces that you can rent for your work.

                    Acknowledging traditional Aboriginal land owners

                    The Event Planning Guide provides information about the acknowledgement of Traditional Owners.

                    Environmentally sustainable practices

                    Environmentally sustainable practices

                    We are asking all our grant recipients to use resources wisely in the creation and delivery of their work to reduce their own impact – for example by reducing waste, using recycled materials and buying ‘green’ products when possible.

                    For some suggestions of environmentally friendly practices for grant recipients, see:

                    Did you know?
                    When applying for a grant, be wary of cold-callers or websites that charge for grant-related services – this assistance is available for free. Visit the ACCC for tips on how to protect your business or project.

                    Contact us

                    Telephone number
                    03 9658 965803 9658 9658
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