City of Melbourne looks to innovative arts projects to reinvigorate the city

The City of Melbourne has announced the quadrupling of its funding for the latest round of an arts grants program after receiving what it calls “a staggering number of high-quality applications”.

Advising that 78 arts projects are now underway, having received a share of $300,000 under the Quick Response Arts Grants program, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the appetite for the program showed Melbourne’s art scene was still alive and thriving.

Lord Mayor Capp stated “there was a 2000% increase in applications this grant round compared to before the pandemic, which shows our creatives are more excited than ever to deliver artistic works as we reignite the city.

“With so many quality applicants, we have quadrupled our funding for this round, which will create employment opportunities for about 800 creative professionals.

“I can’t wait to see these thoughtful and ambitious works roll out across the municipality.”

Creative Melbourne portfolio lead Councillor Jamal Hakim said the quick response funding model was well regarded by artists and industry professionals, adding “musicians, playwrights, artists and peak organisations have told us that providing smaller grants for short-term projects helps creatives build confidence, skills, and their portfolio.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to boost our grant funding this round to support more artists to get back on their feet as Melbourne jolts back to life.

“Almost half of recipients have received a grant from us for the very first time - a real testament to the creative juices that are flowing as part of Melbourne’s arts and innovation resurgence.”

Youth music group, the Melbourne String Ensemble (MSE) has received a $4000 grant towards its project Exploring Cultural Connections to the Seasons.

MSE President Caitlin Williams said the project will see First Nations composers commissioned to write works that reflect the seasons we experience in Melbourne, and in each composer’s Country.

Williams noted “as we emerge from the pandemic, we see this as an opportunity to be courageous in resetting our cultural and educational goals through our music.

“The works will feature emerging and established composers and musicians, using music to deepen our collective understanding of the many seasons where we live.

“MSE and alumni will present the works in concert at Melbourne Recital Centre in April, alongside Vivaldi's Four Seasons - complementing the old with the new."

Click here to view the full list of recipients on the City of Melbourne website.

Image: Melbourne String Ensemble. Credit: Melbourne String Ensemble.