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                    Aboriginal Arts Grants

                    Person wearing owl-style mask

                    Whose Gonna Love Em by Kamarra Bell-Wykes , Image by James Henry
                    The City of Melbourne supports our talented creative community through its Annual Arts Grants Program. As part of this program, grants of up to $20,000 are offered specifically for Aboriginal artists and creative organisations to develop and present work.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Aboriginal Arts grants provide opportunities to Aboriginal creatives to share their stories and talent through all art forms including performance art, dance, theatre, music, writing and visual art.

                    Key dates for 2025 Aboriginal Arts Grants

                    • Applications open: Thursday 1 August 2024
                    • Applications close: 5pm Sunday 22 September 2024

                    Please stay tuned for more information soon.​

                    Current recipients

                    2024 Grant recipients

                    ​Applicant​
                    		​Artform
                    		​Project title
                    ​Amelia O'Leary
                    		​Dance
                    		​Sad Eyes
                    ​Amy Dowd
                    		​Music
                    		​Bumpy new single
                    ​Brodie Murray
                    		​Theatre, live art
                    		​The Whisper
                    ​David Arden
                    		​Music
                    		​MEERTA: Naarm Concert and Yarning Circles
                    ​Glenn Shea
                    		​Theatre, live art
                    		​Three Magpies Perched in a Tree
                    ​Kiwat Kennell
                    		​Music
                    		​EP Launch
                    ​Motherless Collective
                    		​Theatre, live art
                    		​Drag workshops showcase
                    ​The Torch
                    		​Visual, craft
                    		​​Future Dreaming

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                    Grant writing tips from Arts grant recipients | City of Melbourne

                    Supporting resources

                    Aboriginal arts projects FAQs

                    Who can apply?

                    Aboriginal arts projects are open to all Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander artist and organisations. Additional eligibility is required for artist or organisations applying for development or online only presentation.

                    When does my project need to take place?

                    Between 1 January and 31 December 2025​.


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

                    No, but if you are applying for an online project or for a creative development only then you must demonstrate a connection to City of Melbourne.

                    Does my project need to be presented in a City of Melbourne owned venue? Do I need a venue locked in before submitting an application?

                    ​No, but it must be presented at a venue located within City of Melbourne boundaries.

                    You must tell us where you plan to present the project and your application will also need to include venue hire costs.

                    Your application will be strengthened by the inclusion of a tentative venue booking quote or evidence that you have communicated with the venue manager about hiring the space.

                    Can I present my project or activity in an outdoor space? Do I require a permit?

                    Yes. You may need to apply for a permit to use outdoor spaces managed by the City of Melbourne such as a park or laneway, however a permit is not required for the grant application.

                    Please discuss your project with a program manager before submitting your application. You can contact the arts grants team weekdays 9am to 5pm on 9658 9658 or emailing artsgrants@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

                    Can I submit more than one application?

                    No, you can only submit one application to each round.

                    ​

                    When will I be notified/receive grant?

                    Aboriginal Arts grants will be notified early December 2024. Successful applicants will receive funding once all required information and documentation is provided (this include funding agreement) as promptly as possible.​​

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

                    No. Projects that are currently being funded by another City of Melbourne program are ineligible to apply to our arts grants program.​

                    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.​​

                    Where do I find information about the artists’ fees?

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

                    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 Laura Johnston on 0411 776 324 email laura.johnston@melbourne.vic.gov.au or the program team on 9658 9658 or email arts.grants@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

                    If you need assistance or the application form is not accessible to you please contact Laura Johnston in the Arts Grants team on 0411 776 324 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm (text or voice).

                    You can also email laura.johnston@melbourne.vic.gov.au or check out the FAQs above.

                    ​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 2017-21, Creative Strategy 2018-28 and Creative Funding Framework 2019-24.​

                    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.
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