Nillumbik Council is tripling its grants pool for the arts. It issued a news release today (Thurs.):

Grant applications for 2018-19 arts and culture projects open on Thursday, 20 September and the grants pool has jumped from $10,000 to $30,000 with two new categories: community and performing arts.

Council’s Arts Advisory Committee Chair Cr Karen Egan said this windfall stemmed from feedback received during the hugely popular Travelling Teapot consultation which shaped the Arts & Cultural Plan 2018-2022.

“The community told us that they needed more funds to run arts and culture projects. We listened, and the grants pool this year has tripled,” Cr Egan said.

“It’s wonderful these grants will be able to support the delivery of innovative opportunities for the community to participate in active and creative lifestyles.

“There is also an economic spin-off. Arts and culture not only attracts visitors to the Shire, but local artists are earning a living from their art,” Cr Egan said.

“Enriching arts and culture, not only for the artists but for the community, all contributes to our aim of becoming the most liveable shire in Australia,” Cr Egan said.

The introduction of a specific performing arts grant stream confirms Council’s commitment to support the development of the performing arts in Nillumbik.

Grants of up to $5,000 per project are available. Applications are online and the link to the form is now open.

Council is also running free grant writing workshops to help people plan the grant project and write grant application, not only for Council’s grants but also other funding opportunities that may exist.

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday, October 18 and projects must be delivered between January 1 and June 30, 2019.

For more information including guidelines, visit http://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Living-in/Grants/Arts-and-Cultural-Development