The City of Mount Gambier Creative Arts Fund is now open for applications with a total of $50,000 available to local artists, not-for-profit organisations and community groups to support the delivery of inspiring, creative and contemporary projects that seek to contribute to a vibrant and culturally diverse community.

The Creative Arts Fund aims to activate public spaces to encourage creative and social interaction, create a vibrant street culture and develop stimulating spaces that attract visitors and create a sense of community attachment.

“This year we are leaving the door wide open for our artists to propose how they want to use this money. I’m excited to see what this freedom will mean for the type and scope of proposals we receive,” Arts and Cultural Development Officer, Serena Wong said.

“Unlike previous years, we are allowing artists to submit a draft proposal, which the selection panel will shortlist, and then the lucky shortlisted recipients get to work with me and fine tune their project. Working with artists, watching their ideas develop and be realized is really such a privilege,” said Serena

The Creative Arts Fund aims to support programs, projects, initiatives and events and festivals that enrich Mount Gambier and encourage cultural tourism.

Previous recipients Pariya Ziakas and Ruth Stephenson completed their mural in Ripley Arcade earlier this year celebrating the vibrant dance culture in Mount Gambier. “I love public art and I think it is the way the soul of city is brought out and reflected for anyone coming in. So, to see how public art is being embraced in Mount Gambier is absolutely terrific,” Ms. Stephenson said.

Projects must align with the City of Mount Gambier Community Plan, Culture and Heritage Plan and Public Art Strategy with applications assessed against the priorities detailed in the program guidelines.

“We will be revealing some crucial information at our Q&A session on Friday 13 August, so make sure you register for the event and come to The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre at 6:00pm to find out all the details. If you can’t make the session, we’ll also be live streaming via Facebook, so make sure you don’t miss out,” Ms Wong said.

Projects may focus on, but are not limited to:

• performing and visual arts
• literature
• film
• design
• multimedia
• history and heritage

KEY DATES:

Applications open – Wednesday, 11 August 2021

Q&A session for applicants – Friday, 13 August 2021

>>DRAFT PROPOSAL DUE – Monday, 6 September 2021

Shortlisted applicants notified – Friday, 10 September 2021

Final submissions due – Monday, 20 September 2021

Successful applicants notified – Wednesday, 20 October 2021

Click here for application documentation.

Photo: Kate Hill