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                    Quick response arts grants

                    Wooden boxes wth portraits of people drawn on them in black

                    ​Image: Boxed In - artwork and photography by Daniel Coulson

                    Assistance of $4000 is available through our quick response arts grants.

                    Grants are available to artists and small to medium arts organisations across all disciplines and to people from all backgrounds and abilities.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Support will be considered for online content, the development of new or unpresented work or to successfully deliver a project to the public (either online or at a venue within the City of Melbourne municipality).

                    To be eligible for a development grant or for a project resulting in an online presentation, applicants must demonstrate a relationship to the City of Melbourne (refer to the guidelines for details).

                    All applications are assessed by an independent external panel.

                    There will be one round in 2023​ with outcomes required within six months of notification.​

                    Key dates

                    • Applications are now closed

                    Current recipients

                    2023 Grant Recipients

                    Applicant
                    ​Artform
                    ​Project title
                    ​Alison Adriano

                    ​Music
                    ​Mayari - Sophomore EP
                    ​Alison Evans

                    ​Writing
                    ​Long Trek Issue 1
                    ​Alister McKeic​h
                    ​Visual, craft
                    ​Skateboard Culture
                    ​Amber McCartney
                    ​Dance
                    ​Glow Remount
                    ​Anne Algar
                    ​Multimedia
                    ​Oh Antarctica
                    ​Arlo Mountford
                    ​Visual, craft
                    ​Revolutions
                    ​Artists for Kids Culture
                    ​Visual, craft
                    ​artsbus @ North Melbourne Community Centre
                    ​Arty Owens
                    ​Writing
                    ​Nothing is wrong, we just need to have a little chat
                    ​Aven Hodgess
                    ​Visual, craft
                    ​The Body Remembers
                    ​Brendan Wan
                    ​Film
                    ​The Questions of Domicile
                    ​Cam Butler
                    ​Film
                    ​Solar
                    Colleen Burke
                    ​Theatre, live art
                    ​The Sheep's Back
                    ​Cyrus Tang
                    Visual, craft
                    ​Devouring Time, blunt thou the lion's paws
                    ​Emily Dober

                    Visual, craft
                    Zoo
                    ​Finucane & Smith Unlimited

                    ​Theatre, live art

                    ​House of the Heart 《⼼之宫殿》
                    ​Geraldine Quinn

                    Theatre, live art
                    ​The Passion of Saint Nicholas
                    ​Jack Riley

                    ​Film

                    Subversion
                    ​Jessica Sofarnos

                    ​Film

                    ​Punctum

                    ​Jungle City

                    ​Dance

                    ​Culture Queenz - Each One Teach One
                    ​Katie Yap
                    ​Music

                    ​Croissants & Whiskey Spirits

                    ​Application form

                    Applications are made through SmartyGrants and can be edited, saved and reviewed before submitting a final version. You can also print out your applications.

                    Grant writing workshops

                    Register for online grant writing workshops

                    Supporting resources

                    Quick response arts grants FAQ

                    When does my project need to be delivered?

                    Your project must be delivered within six months of notification.

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

                    There is one application round each year for our annual arts grant program. 

                    There is one round this year for the Quick Response arts grants.

                    To be eligible to apply for the Quick Response arts grants, you must have acquitted all previously received City of Melbourne arts grants and not be in receipt of a 2024 Annual arts grant. 

                    There are periodically other funding opportunities available; speak with a program manager for clarification. You can contact the program team weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 9658 9658 or email artsgrants@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

                    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’m 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 or work 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 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?

                    ​A venue for a physical outcome 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) may be required should your application be successful. 

                    Discuss your project with the arts grants team on 9658 9658 before submitting your application. 

                    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.

                    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 arts grant programs for the same project in the same year and the same round.

                    How long will it take to do an application online?

                    It usually takes more time than you think and some time will need to be spent collecting 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 should 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 2023 Quick Response arts grants, applicants will be notified by early November 2023.

                    If I am successful when will I receive 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 when can I start my project?

                    As soon as you get notified and/or paid.

                    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 each round to our quick response arts grants.

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

                    Who assesses the grants?

                    All applications are assessed by an independent external panel.

                    Who can I talk to about the grants and/or my project idea?

                    You can contact an arts grants program manager 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:

                    Questions? 

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

                    Quick response arts grants operate under the Creative Strategy 2018–28 and Creative Funding Framework 2019–24.

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                    Grant writing tips from Arts grant recipients

                    Previous recipients

                    2022 grant recipients

                    ​Applicant 
                    ​Art form
                    ​Project title
                    ​Amelia O’Leary
                    ​Dance
                    ​A Certain Mumble
                    ​Amy Dowd
                    ​Music
                    ​Bumpy Debut Album
                    ​Anita Spooner
                    ​Visual/ Craft
                    ​People here really are someone else’s Real
                    ​Artists for Kids Culture
                    ​Visual/ Craft
                    ​Connecting creative kids
                    ​Bethany Atkinson-Quinton
                    ​Writing
                    ​Tender: season three
                    ​Callum Mintzis
                    ​Multimedia
                    ​and the wind was my dear friend, once again
                    ​Cam Butler
                    ​Music
                    ​Retrospective
                    ​Ciaran Frame
                    ​Music
                    ​Omissions
                    ​Cinema Spaces Pty Ltd
                    ​Film
                    ​Cinema Spaces Documentary
                    ​Clem Bastow
                    ​Writing
                    ​Challenging Behaviour
                    ​Coady Green
                    ​Music
                    ​Buluwirri Bugaja Piano Suite 
                    ​Collective 54
                    ​Visual/ Craft
                    ​Errol St Occupation
                    ​Daina Sgarioto
                    ​Visual/ Craft
                    ​Nuanced Nonsense
                    ​Danielle Black
                    ​Film
                    ​Our Song
                    ​Danish Sheikh
                    ​Theatre/ Live art
                    ​Love in the Shadow of the Law
                    ​David William Murray
                    ​Music
                    ​infold
                    ​Deanne Butterworth
                    ​Dance
                    ​How To Act
                    ​Divisi Incorporated
                    ​Music
                    ​Australian Art Song
                    ​Emily Unity
                    ​Visual/ Craft
                    ​The Multicultural Mental Health Gallery
                    ​Finucane & Smith Unlimited
                    ​Theatre/ Live art
                    ​House of the Heart
                    ​Fluxus Pty Ltd
                    ​Theatre/ Live art
                    ​Little Lon
                    ​Hannah Reekie
                    ​Theatre/ Live art
                    ​Metamorphosis
                    ​Inventi Music Pty Ltd
                    ​Music
                    ​Nola x Inventi
                    ​James Wright
                    ​Film
                    ​Enclosure
                    ​Jessie French
                    ​Visual/ Craft
                    ​Antieternity
                    ​Jonnine Standish
                    ​Music
                    ​Maritz
                    ​Kimberly Lovegrove
                    ​Theatre/ Live art
                    ​Kungari Comedy
                    ​Kin Francis
                    ​Music
                    ​Good Trip
                    ​Kitan Petkovski
                    ​Theatre/ Live art
                    ​The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven
                    ​Le Luo
                    ​Film
                    ​Outpicker
                    ​Leisa Shelton
                    ​Theatre/ Live art
                    ​The Living Library
                    ​Madeleine Flynn
                    ​Multimedia
                    ​Uncanny
                    ​Margot Sharman
                    ​Visual/ Craft
                    ​We Were Resilient
                    ​Mina Yu
                    ​Music
                    ​A Day and Life
                    ​Naveed Farro
                    ​Multimedia
                    ​Where Are You From Brother? 
                    ​Rebecca Agnew
                    ​Multimedia
                    ​Stop motion animation installation
                    ​Rebecca Delange
                    ​Visual/ Craft
                    ​The Vessel and the Path
                    ​Rhian Wilson-Ruge
                    ​Film
                    ​Dismissable
                    ​Rubberammo
                    ​Film
                    ​No Masks Outside
                    ​Sally McLean
                    ​Film
                    ​Dark Arcadia
                    ​Samuel Martin
                    ​Film
                    ​Lucky Country
                    ​Sara Cowdell-Murray
                    ​Theatre/ Live art
                    ​Not as simple as it sounds
                    ​Sarah Brasier
                    ​Visual/ Craft
                    ​The Spring of my Life
                    ​Snuff Puppets
                    ​Theatre/ Live art
                    ​Cochlear
                    ​The Newmarket Collective
                    ​Music
                    ​Across Silence
                    ​Tyler Wilay
                    ​Music
                    ​Under Earth
                    ​Victoria Perin
                    ​Visual/ Craft
                    ​Wayword
                    ​Yandell Walton
                    ​Multimedia
                    ​Ecological Adaptation
                    ​Yuiko Masukawa
                    ​Dance
                    ​Fusoku no bi

                    Other arts grants available

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

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