Funding has been awarded to 110 local artists as part of the latest round of the City of Melbourne’s Annual Arts Grants program.
More than $980,000 in funding has been approved, with successful applicants receiving up to $20,000 for projects taking place in 2021.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said it’s vital the City of Melbourne continued to support its creative community, who’ve been amongst the hardest hit by COVID-19.
“Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia and creative projects like those funded today will help many artists get back on their feet,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Victoria’s creative industry alone employs more than 260,000 people and contributes $31 billion to the state’s economy annually. These grants will help revitalise our creative community and that means more cash registers ringing and more jobs for Melburnians.
“We’re excited that these110 successful applicants will now be able to realise their projects and we look forward to seeing what they produce in 2021.”
Highlights from the 2021 Arts Grants recipients include:
- A mobile arts bus offering free arts experiences for children suffering hardship;
- A photographic exhibition from Gerard O’Connor showcasing the creativity of the LGBTIQ community during COVID-19;
- A multi-media project from Mig Dann re-imagining the history of 19th century women prisoners in the Old Melbourne Gaol;
- A musical comedy show from Ajak Mabia about what it’s like to be a Sudanese woman in Melbourne;
- A sound art project from Ros Bandt, combining recordings of Currawongs with a recorder quartet;
- An Australian Youth Dance Festival hosted by Ausdance Victoria.
“The applications for the 2021 Arts Grants are among the most diverse we’ve ever seen and are a testament to the creativity and skill of our artistic community,” the Lord Mayor said.
“As we look toward to 2021 and a new COVID-normal way of operating we will also work closely with our arts grants recipients to ensure any performances, exhibitions or public displays can be enjoyed safely.”
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