Backing Melbourne’s creative industry

Melbourne’s creative economy is roaring back to life and the City of Melbourne is investing in this momentum with an $8.7 million boost for local artists, creative spaces, and major events.

​Melbourne’s arts and entertainment industry has been impacted significantly by the pandemic, but confidence is returning as crowds flock to major events and live music venues. 

The draft Budget 2022-23 to be released on Tuesday 17 May will invest $2 million to build on this momentum by securing new creative infrastructure for independent, small and medium creative sector operators in spaces like offices, rehearsal spaces and cultural production studios. 

The investment also includes expanding the Creative Spaces website to foster stronger relationships between creatives and the commercial real estate sector.

Grassroots arts organisations are the engine room of the industry. Council will support their important work and ensure local creative talent is nurtured by providing $4.3 million in grants for local artists and arts organisations.   

The City of Melbourne’s Arts Grants continue to be responsive to the needs of the creative sector, with six funding rounds that supported over 1,000 projects over the last two years.  

More than 9,000 artists benefited from Council’s support in 2021 and this year will be no different.

The City of Melbourne will partner with 35 significant arts organisations including RISING and the Melbourne International Film Festival, attracting higher visitor numbers and generating stronger economic activity. 

Support will also be provided for the following projects: 

  • $500,000 for ACMI Partnership
  • $250,000 for Kingsway Undercroft 
  • $400,000 for Westwood Place Major Lighting 
  • $30,000 for Hero Apartment Building Billboard
  • $150,000 for Warrior Woman Lane

Council remains focused on delivering programs that will build digital literacy skills and capabilities, improve access to free WIFI from community facilities and improve digital inclusion for all, particularly for vulnerable groups.  

The draft Budget includes a $25,000 investment to deliver accessible digital literacy library programming and a mobile library pilot.  

The Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund will also include additional funding for creative initiatives. The $200 million Fund is a joint collaboration between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.

The draft Budget 2022-23 will be announced on Tuesday 17 May, with a one-month period of public consultation to follow.

Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp  

“Investing in creativity and artists is central to the vibrancy of our city. Showcasing our incredible artists means more people exploring our laneways, filling our venues and booking out hotels – accelerating our city’s momentum.”  

“We’re supporting creatives every step of the way and giving them the tools and resources to succeed and help us bring our city to life.”  

“From our very own historic laneways to major landmarks, our public art plays a vital role in defining who we are as a city and the hundreds of jobs that go with it.”

Quotes attributable to Creative Melbourne portfolio lead Councillor Jamal Hakim

“We’re supercharging our creative industries by investing in what matters. Thousands of people are flocking to the city again and we want to build on that momentum and bring confidence to our creative community.”

“This draft Budget delivers important funding to local artists, creating more creative spaces to better connect artists and unlocking out creative talent.”

Fast facts on support for creative industries:

  • $4.3 million for grassroots local artists  
  • $2 million for creative spaces 
  • $2.4 million for public art projects     

/Public Release. View in full here.