The City of Melbourne has released $2 million in grants for artists and creative organisations impacted by the COVID-19 virus to assist them during this challenging time.
Last night at a Special Council meeting, Councillors endorsed the release of 500 grants worth up to $4000 for individual artists or small organisations.
The grants are available to develop new work, or for digital presentation of artistic works and performances and to provide support during the time when restrictions are in place because of COVID-19.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the COVID-19 virus has had a devastating impact on Melbourne’s arts community.
“The virus has devastated Melbourne’s arts community – with cancellations, job losses and closures across Australia’s cultural capital,” the Lord Mayor said.
“On a normal weekend, more people attend cultural events than sporting events in Melbourne. The arts sector is intrinsically linked to Melbourne’s brand and supports jobs in our night time economy and our hospitality industries. So when artists don’t have work, our entire city suffers.
“We’re responding with a $2 million grant program – to distribute across 500 artists, performers and small organisations. This funding will help the recipients to develop new artistic works or stream performances online. We’re also calling on the philanthropic community to support our arts sector in this challenging time.”
Chair of the Arts, Culture and Heritage portfolio, Councillor Rohan Leppert said the grants aim to help provide some relief to artists and arts and cultural organizations financially impacted by COVID-19.
“The arts sector was one of the first to experience cancellations and lost opportunities, and many artists and workers in the sector are suffering. Despite this, the breadth of creative talent in Melbourne remains, and we want to support artists and small arts organisations to continue their important work,” Cr Leppert said.
“Whether it’s finding new ways to present works online, or whether it’s using the months ahead as time to focus on the development of new works, we want to support artists to continue working and keep Melbourne’s remarkable creative community strong.
“These arts grants build on the other support we are providing for artists and arts organisations in the municipality, including support and mentoring through our COVID-19 Business Concierge Hotline, which is now up and running, and rent relief for eligible tenants in Council owned buildings.”
Separately, Councillors also endorsed the release of $5 million in financial support for small to medium sized businesses to invest in online and e-commerce capabilities, take part in training and professional development and undertake capital works.
Eligible businesses and organisations can apply for grants from 9am on Thursday 26 March online via melbourne.smartygrants.com.au
