2025 Grants
The Aboriginal Arts Grants provide opportunities for Aboriginal creatives to share their stories and talent through all art forms including performance art, dance, theatre, music, writing and visual art.
Key dates
- Applications open: Thursday 1 August 2024
- Applications close: 11:59pm, Sunday 22 September 2024
- Notifications to applicants: November 2024
Please stay tuned for more information soon.
Assessment panel
All applications are assessed by an independent external panel consisting of experienced arts and creative peers.
Assessors for the City of Melbourne's Annual arts grants programs are taken from the External assessment panel members for the City of Melbourne. Occasionally alternative assessors are co-opted to fill a specific vacancy.
Current 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 |
Frequently asked questions
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.
Between 1 January and 31 December 2025.
Early November 2024.
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.
No, we will not accept emailed applications. All applications must be completed online through SmartyGrants. If you need assistance or the application form is not accessible to you please contact Will Box in the Arts Grants team on 0481 099 439 (text or voice).
No, you can only submit one application for Aboriginal Arts Grants for 2025.
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 Laura Johnston on 0411 776 324 (text and voice) weekdays 9am–5pm (except Wednesdays), or email laura.johnston@melbourne.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, contact the program team on 9658 9658 or email arts.grants@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
You can contact Laura Johnston on 0411 776 324 (text and voice) weekdays 9am–5pm (except Wednesdays) or email laura.johnston@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
Accessibility
Arts grants are accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. We offer support with submitting 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 or email laura.johnston@melbourne.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, contact the program team on 03 9658 9658 or email arts.grants@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
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 ACCCOpens in new tab for tips on how to protect your business or project.
Contact us
Phone
More information
- For information on other City of Melbourne funding opportunities, visit Funding and creative opportunities.
- The Annual Arts Grants and Residencies operate under the Creative Strategy 2018-28 and Creative Funding Framework 2024-30.
Image Credit - Whose Gonna Love Em by Kamarra Bell-Wykes, Image by James Henry
