Arts and culture - Introduction

Melbourne is Living the Arts every day.  The City of Melbourne is committed to fostering an environment where the people of Melbourne can participate in the arts, where artists and creative industries are encouraged and where Indigenous art and culture is valued and respected.   Lord Mayor John So  

What's on: Check out some of the Arts and Culture activities and events supported by the City of
Melbourne.

Our programs: Arts activities and events for all Melburnians: Arts House, ArtPlay, City Gallery, Community Cultural Development, Creative Spaces, Indigenous Arts, Melbourne Conversations, Melbourne Town Hall Grand Organ, Signal.

Our support: Investment in the arts is central to the vitality, liveability and growth of the city.
Arts Grants and Creative Spaces database. 
 
Arts strategy: The City of Melbourne's key directions for supporting the arts for the next three years and
vision for nurturing and enhancing Melbourne’s vibrant arts community. 

Public art: From commissions in unexpected corners of the Central Business District and
the City Gallery’s exhibitions, to major exhibitions in parks.
  
Committees and boards

Laneway Commissions 2009 - Call for submissions

The City of Melbourne continues its successful annual program of commissioning contemporary artworks for the public domain. Council is currently seeking innovative and inspiring artwork proposals for 2009 which utilise Melbourne’s distinct urban setting. Find out more.

'Code of practice for galleries and retailers of Indigenous art' launched

The Indigenous code of practice is the first of its kind in Australia and sets a national standard for the protection of Indigenous artists and their work.

The code encourages the sale of authentic products and promotes fair and respectful relationships between Indigenous artists and galleries and retailers.

Two other guides - 'Working as an Indigenous Artist' and 'Buying Indigenous art' have also been launched in conjunction with this code. Find out more.