Creative Development Grant program

The program provides funding to seed ideas, build skills and support career progression to strengthen the creative industries across the region to thrive.

While exhibitions, performances or public events may be part of a project, they are not essential to its completion.

Applicants are encouraged to meaningfully engage the community during the creative development process or through the outcome to demonstrate a broader impact across the Shire.

Projects should demonstrate clear benefits aligned with the program’s goals and demonstrate benefits consistent with Council’s strategic direction, including:

• Supporting local creative industries to thrive by supporting the development of new skills of capability.
• Support community art and culture, including opportunities for cultural celebration and community events.
• Strengthening the local economy by supporting sustainable and diverse employment, promoting collaboration, and enhancing wellbeing through connection within the local arts and culture ecosystem.
• Creating opportunities and addressing barriers to support innovation, economic growth, and job creation, with attention to the distinct needs of coastal and hinterland communities.
• Improving mental health and social connection by fostering participation, building strong networks.

For full details and eligibility, please read the2026-2027 Creative Development Grant Guidelines(PDF, 1MB).

An online information session hosted by the Surf Coast Shire Arts Team will guide creatives through the 2026–2027 Creative Development Grant.

The session covers guidelines, key dates and the application form. Open to Surf Coast Shire residents.

Monday 2 February 2026, 6pm to 7pm

Registrations are essential.

Register via Microsoft Teams

Surf Coast Arts are excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 DEVELOP Artists and Creatives Grant program.

This year’s funded projects span large-scale sculpture, youth arts initiatives, cultural collaborations, sustainable making, and digital experiences—highlighting the depth and diversity of creativity across the Surf Coast.

• Developing Public Art Skills: A Whale Prototype
  Funding supports mentorship and the creation of a fibreglass whale prototype to develop skills in large-scale public sculpture.
• Abstract i.e..
  Developing an online creative arts experience featuring daily videos and interviews with local and visiting artists.
• Dream Big Studios
  Creating a space connecting young people with artists and industry professionals through workshops, mentoring and exhibitions.
• Il Vetro Lorne – Expanding Sustainable Functional Art Creation
  Purchasing a larger kiln to expand sustainable art production with recycled materials and support workshops.
• Exploring Textile Painting Techniques
  Exploring textile painting on repurposed fabrics to integrate sustainability and spark dialogue on textile waste.
• The Chrysalis Project
  Researching performing arts groups to assess capacity-building needs in Surf Coast Shire.
• Light and Shade – Recording Neo-Classical Piano Works
  Recording, mixing and mastering a solo album of neo-classical piano, electronica and voice for release in 2025.
• Creating Music and Learning Culture on Yolngu Country
  Collaborating with Yolŋu artist Yirrmal to deepen understanding of First Nations culture and develop song-writing skills.
• Broaden and Deepen
  Funding to support mentorship and skill development to create new artwork for exhibition.