Six community groups and five art projects have received a funding boost in the City of Fremantle’s Arts and Community grants September round.
The City’s arts grants provide financial assistance for activities and projects that strengthen Fremantle’s vibrant arts and cultural sector; while community grants are offered to organisations that work towards enhancing access and inclusion, wellbeing and social cohesion in the community.
City of Fremantle Director of Community Development Michelle Brennand said the September round attracted a significant response, with a diverse mix of local groups and artists successfully accessing funding.
“It’s fantastic to see the City’s grants program empower groups and individuals to develop their ideas, and help some fantastic projects get off the ground,” Ms Brennand said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing these projects activate the city’s surrounds, engage residents and visitors and strengthen community connection over the next 12 months.
“Plus, our next round of Arts and Community grants will open on 2 March and close 31 March next year, so I encourage any local artist or community group that needs financial help with a project to start thinking about their application.”
A free public event held during Fremantle Biennale, which explored both dark and light aspects of WA’s pearling industry history, was one of the projects supported in the September round. The arts grant supported screening of Kelsey Ashe’s Pearls and Blackbirds film provided an insight into the lives of female Aboriginal pearl divers and Japanese migrants in the late 19th century.
Other art projects planned for next year include the launch of online platform Design_Freo, an international watercolour exhibition, a new contemporary dance work and a mentorship program that pairs experienced practitioners with emerging artists to challenge, extend and collaborate across art forms.
Projects supported with a community grant include a Christmas party for vulnerable and disadvantaged people, a six-month youth program, free community mental health and wellbeing services, an awards night for health research and funding for North Fremantle Football Club’s centenary in 2020.
Twice a year, in March and September, the City offers arts grants of up to $25,000 and community grants up to $10,000 for projects or activities that contribute to Fremantle’s wellbeing, vibrancy and cultural diversity. The grants are financed from the City’s annual arts pool of $50,000 and community pool of $60,000.
