Are you an artist, group, or small to medium arts organisation ready to take your creative projects to the next level? The Annual Arts Grants and Residencies Program offers an exciting opportunity for artists to bring their visions to life in the vibrant City of Melbourne. With grants of up to $20,000 and studio residencies that include a $5,000 stipend, this program is designed to empower creativity, foster collaboration, and support public-facing arts initiatives across all art forms.
What’s on Offer?
The program provides funding for one-off arts projects with a public outcome - whether that’s through a physical installation, performance, or even an online project. It’s all about bringing your work to the public, making art accessible, and engaging with the community.
In addition to project grants, the program offers studio residencies, which provide creative space to artists to develop their practice. These residencies come with a $5,000 stipend to support the creative process, so you can focus on what truly matters—your art.
Eligible expenses covered include:
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Venue hire
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Production costs
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Artist fees
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Accessibility measures
Outdoor projects are also welcome, though they will require prior discussion and potential permits - so you can take your creativity to the streets if that’s where your vision leads!
Why Apply?
This is more than just funding - it's about access to creative spaces, collaboration opportunities, and the chance to share your work with the public in one of the most dynamic cultural hubs in Australia. Whether you’re looking to create a new exhibition, performance, installation, or digital project, this program is designed to help you reach your goals.
It’s also an excellent opportunity for small to medium arts organisations to build capacity, engage with the community, and create projects that have a lasting impact.
Who Can Apply?
This program is open to:
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Individual artists
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Groups or collectives
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Small to medium arts organizations
Whether you’re a visual artist, performer, musician, or digital creator, if your project involves creativity and has a public-facing outcome, you can apply. The program is open to artists across all disciplines and is designed to encourage collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation.
Eligibility Details
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Residency applicants must use the creative space to develop their artistic practice.
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Project applicants must present their work in the City of Melbourne, either physically or online.
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You don’t need to live or work in Melbourne, but you must have a demonstrated connection to the city for online projects.
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Students are welcome to apply, provided the project is not part of their academic assessment.
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Only one application per round is allowed, so make it count!
Note: Projects that have already received funding from other City of Melbourne programs are not eligible.
Key Dates:
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Application Deadline: 9th June, 2025
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Grant Amounts: $5,000 to $20,000 (for projects) and $5,000 (for residencies)
This is your chance to be part of Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene, showcase your talent, and create something that will engage and inspire the community.
How to Apply?
Visit the City of Melbourne website and submit your application by the 9th June 2025 deadline. Be sure to clearly articulate your project’s impact, how it connects to the Melbourne community, and how the funding will help you achieve your artistic vision.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to turn your creative ideas into reality.
