Melbourne will see dozens of new creative offerings, thanks to new funding to support and grow our vibrant arts sector.

The City of Melbourne has allocated more than $175,000 across 49 projects through its 2022 Quick Response Arts Grants program – the only fast turnaround micro-grant program offering this level of support in Australia.

The latest round of the program will support nearly 350 artists to develop and present their work in public – including live theatre, dance, music, films, written pieces and visual art.

Successful recipients include:

• Aboriginal artist Amy Dowd for the composition and development of a solo debut album.
• Artists for Kids Culture for the artsbus mobile arts studio, bringing inclusive and meaningful arts opportunities to kids aged 5-12.
• Neurodiverse artists Kin Francis and KITTLING produce Good Trip: a two-night nightclub for Disabled and Neurodiverse audiences.
• Coady Green and Indigenous narrator Tiriki Onus for a 45-minute piano work composed by Linda Kouvaras.

Snuff Puppets for an ornate 14-metre inflatable artwork representing the anatomical structures of the inner ear.

Melbourne City Council received a record number of high-quality applications to the program this year – a sign the city’s world-renowned creative sector is continuing to thrive, with artists excited to deliver innovative new work.

Of those who applied, more than 65 per cent identify as LGBTIQ+ and around 50 per cent represent culturally and linguistically diverse artists.

“The resurgence of Melbourne’s creative sector is vital for our city’s recovery, so we’re proud to support hundreds of artists to develop and deliver vibrant new artistic works,” said Cr Sally Capp, Lord Mayor.

“This is a one-of-a-kind program in the country, which has supported nearly 1000 projects to date – adding to Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s cultural capital.”

“The high number of applications received this year shows there’s a huge appetite for grant funding that artists can put to work as soon as possible.”