Council offers funding boost to Merri-bek artists (media release)
Moreland Council is offering support to Merri-bek artists and art organisations of all backgrounds and abilities through the 2019 Arts Activation Grants.
Applications are open now until the end of June, with grants of up to $8,000 on offer for one off activities, small event grants up to $1,000 available for small activations and annual events funding for up to three consecutive years to a total of $8,000.
Merri-bek Mayor Councillor Natalie Abboud said the grants offer funding and new opportunities to support and celebrate our diverse, creative community.
“Our annual Arts Activation Grants shine a light on our rich local arts community – they connect, promote and encourage our talented local artists and foster fresh ideas and projects that benefit our whole community,” Cr Abboud said.
In 2018, Merri Murnong, a local volunteer group, received a grant for the 10th Merri Murnong Gathering, held in November. The event was a celebration of indigenous culture, including the harvest and cook up of edible indigenous plants, dancing, stories, ochre handprints, and a community arts project.
Melissa Laing from Merri Murnong said the grant provided resources and support to deliver a very significant event.
“It enabled us to celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of the Wurundjeri community, where around 200 people actively took part in a celebration of indigenous culture, food, dancing, stories, and a community arts project,” Laing said.
“It has been a positive cross-cultural experience to strengthen our community and bring people together. I would encourage others to apply for an Arts Activation Grant.”
Merri-bek’s Arts Activation Grants aim to encourage artists and art organisations to be based in the City of Merri-bek, to foster new ideas for arts projects, both big and small, that reflect the diversity of Merri-bek, to build connection and pride in neighbourhoods through community led arts and cultural activities and to encourage more people to engage in artistic and cultural initiatives in Merri-bek.
For further information, contact the Merri-bek Arts via artsgrants@moreland.vic.gov.au or phone 9240 1111.