Artists and Creatives Grants

Leah Senior photgraphed by @wildrose_pictures.jpg

This grant stream is currently closed

_____________________________

2023 DEVELOP recipients

Now in its second year, Council's re-designed DEVELOP: Artist and Creatives Grants has clearly hit the mark with Surf Coast creatives with a 300% increase in applications to the 2023 round.

(Pictured: Leah Senior, 2023 DEVELOP recipient, photographed by @wildrose_pictures)

The exemplary quality and breadth of applications received in 2023 demonstrates clearly the scope and range of the creative sector across the Surf Coast.

Eight proposals have been awarded funding:

  • No Through Road Collective – Jane Bartier, Jenny Murray-Jones and Sylvia Maseyk (Winchelsea)
  • Time and Memory project development (slab roller) – Fiona McDonald (Torquay)
  • Culture and Belonging photographic exploration – Daniela Rodriguez (Torquay)
  • “My Winch” Exhibition Winchelsea Shire Hall – Samantha Whitaker and the James St Gallery Artists (Winchelsea)
  • Experimental Music Video – Leah Senior (Anglesea)
  • Artist Residency Victorian High Country to work on Middle Grade environmental issues novel  – Stef Gemmill (Torquay)
  • Textiles 1: Our Journey to the Surface Visual Arts Exploration and Exhibition – Simon Holloway (Lorne)
  • Elements sound compositions production - Stephen Oakes, Barry Gilson and Melinda Kennedy (Torquay). 

About this grant

Surf Coast Shire Council is committed to fostering an environment where people with clever and creative ideas can make a difference. We want the Surf Coast Shire to be a place to nurture, acknowledge and promote innovation, the creative arts and industries.

The purpose of the grant is to support creatives to explore new directions, ideas and concepts to advance their practice and/or their careers. It will provide financial support for creative practitioners to undertake:

  • Intensive creative research and development of new ideas/concepts
  • Practice-based experimentation

Council’s Artists and Creatives Grant aims to:

  • Encourage deep research and experimentation to support creative practitioners in achieving innovation, and advancement in their careers.
  • Afford practitioners with an opportunity to take creative risks.
  • Support creative practitioners to broaden, deepen or diversify their creative practice.
  • Promote original and expansive thinking.
  • Encourage cross-disciplinary and cross-industry collaborations.
  • Engage with independent artists, creatives and collectives that reflect the diversity of the Surf Coast community 

It is a requirement that all successful grant applications align with the Surf Coast Shire Council Health and Wellbeing Plan. 

Other information

Applications will reopen February 2024.

Before applying:

1. Read the Artists and Creatives Grant Guidelines(PDF, 340KB)   and check your eligibility.

2. Read our Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy and Council Plan 2021-2025.  

3. Call our Grants Team on 5261 0600 to discuss your idea and ask any questions.

Back to top