Development grants to support creative growth and help ideas

Published on 19 January 2026

Torquay paint and textile artist Andrea Shaw says a Surf Coast Shire Council creative development grant has helped her to explore exciting new boundaries with her work.

“The grant allowed me time for trialling of new processes and techniques I otherwise might not have, to push my painting practice in new ways,” Andrea says.

“I have been able to experiment with batik and wax-resist methods within my paintings, working across second-hand fabrics and unconventional surfaces to see how pattern, texture and colour shift through these processes.

“The support has given me space to test, adapt and refine these approaches, informing both my studio work and the direction of future projects.”

Andrea was a recipient of a grant in 2025 and is now encouraging artists across the shire to help transform wishlist ideas into creative realities by applying for Council’s Creative Development Grants Program.

Creative Development Grants provide funding to support creative practice, strengthen professional skills and build sustainable career pathways for artists, contributing to a resilient local creative economy.

Refreshed from the former DEVELOP Artists and Creatives Grants, the program aligns with the 2025-2029 Council Plan and the 2023-2031 Creative Place Strategy, recognising the role of creativity in supporting community wellbeing, local identity and the regional economy.

Applications for grants of $3,000 for individuals and $5,000 for creative collectives open on 1 February and close on 2 March.

“If you are a Surf Coast Shire creative with an idea or even an early concept this grant is for you,” Deputy Mayor Tony Phelps said.

“This program supports development of ideas and growth of skills, contributing to our inclusive and dynamic creative sector.

“We want people at all stages of career development to feel confident and informed when applying so we will be providing a range of information sessions, starting with a one-hour online session from 6pm on Monday 2 February.”

People will also be able to attend drop-in information sessions:

• 11am to 1pm on 11 February at Winchelsea Shire Hall
• 2pm to 4pm on 18 February at Lorne Community Connect, and
• 2pm to 4pm on 25 February, Surf Coast Shire Council civic office, Torquay.

The online and drop-in sessions will help provide clear understanding of the program, key dates and advice on preparing strong applications.

Creatives can find a link for the online session, more information about the drop-in sessions and information about application criteria via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/creativedevelopmentgrant.

People can also contact Council’s Arts Development Team via artsteam@surfcoast.vic.gov.au or 5261 0600.