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                    Multi-year Arts Grants Program

                    Photograph of someone taking a photograph at night of shimmering artwork

                    ​Image: SPARK by Daan Roosegaarde. Photo: Shannyn Higgins
                    We're committed to investing in multi-year funding to innovative, diverse and inclusive arts organisations who can transform our city with bold confidence.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​Our Multi-year Arts Grants Program funds challenging and ambitious ideas that contribute to the creative transformation of Melbourne and encourage participation and activation of the arts.​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This program provides three year funding for small, medium and large arts organisations up to $330,000 and Awards arts grants up to $25,000.

                    All applications are assessed by an independen​t external panel consisting of experienced arts and creative peers. ​

                    ​2025–​2027 program​​

                    Through the 2025–2027 program, City of Melbourne will fund organisations in either:   

                    • ​Multi-year arts grants – $40,000 to $330,000 annually Open to small, medium and large arts organisations presenting work to the public annually 

                    Or:

                    • ​Awards arts grants  - Up to $25,000 annually Open to Victorian based arts organisations delivering awards programs in the municipality that benefit local artists.​​

                    Key dates​​​

                    • Applications now open​
                    • Online briefing session: 4pm Thursday 9 May 2024
                    • Applications close: 11:59pm Sunday 2 June 2024 
                    • Notification to applicants: September 2024

                    2025-27 Guidelines​

                    Multi-year and Awards grants FAQs

                    What kind of arts organisation is eligible for a Multi-year or Award arts grant?

                    Applicants must be a not-for-profit independent, non-government arts organisation.​​


                    What is meant by medium or large organisations?

                    ​Medium organisations are those that are reasonably dominant in their field. Large organisations are those that are dominant in their field. Size and revenue are dependent on the industry in which your organisation operates.

                    Does my organisation have to be based in the City of Melbourne to be eligible for a grant?

                    ​No, but the proposed outcomes must take place within the City of Melbourne boundaries annually.​

                    Can my organisation submit more than one application?

                    Organisations can only submit one application to the Multi-year Arts Grants Program.​

                    Can we develop the work proposed in year one and have a public outcome in the following year?

                    No. Multi-year arts grants do not support development and if successful you must provide a public outcome within the City of Melbourne annually for the duration of your contract.​

                    Can my organisation be auspiced?

                    You may use an auspicing body for an Awards arts grant application however you cannot use an auspicing body for a Multi-year arts grant application.​

                    Can the funded activities occur in outdoor spaces and the public realm?

                    Yes, but if the funded activities occur in an outdoor space (for example a park or street), contact the City of Melbourne Events Melbourne team on 9658 8008 to discuss the proposed site.

                    Refer to City of Melbourne’s Event Planning Guide​ as you may need to apply for an event permit. However permits do not need to be confirmed prior to application

                    Does my organisation 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.​

                    Can my organisation apply for a Multi-year or Award arts grant as well as other City of Melbourne funding?

                    No, organisations that have already been funded by another City of Melbourne grants, sponsorship or expression-of-interest program are ineligible to apply to the Multi-year Arts Grants Program for the same project in the same timeframe. Your organisation cannot apply for other City of Melbourne funding if your Multi-year or Awards arts grants application is successful. ​​

                    If my organisation is successful for 2025-27 funding when will the grant commence and when do we receive payment?

                    ​The funded activities can begin 1 January 2025 and must be concluded by 31 December 2027. Following notification of a successful application, payment will be made annually after a contract is signed and subject to receipt of all required information. ​

                    Who can I talk to about the grant program?

                    ​Please contact either Bronwyn Roper 0422 872 729 (Monday to Thursday) or Candy Mitchell 0421 056 709 (Monday, Wednesday or Friday) 9am to 5pm or email artsgrants@melbourne.vic.gov.au and a member of the team will contact you. 

                    More information

                    Multi-year arts grants operates under:​​​ ​
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