Creative call out for Shire artists

A new grants program aimed at supporting the Golden Plains Shire’s creatives access professional development opportunities and fund small projects has been launched.

A range of artists, creatives and makers in the Golden Plains region will be eligible to apply for the Creative Communities Quick Response Professional Development Grants to assist with project opportunities taken up at short notice.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Owen Sharkey encouraged creative-minded residents to take advantage of the new grant program.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the creative industries particularly hard, and grants programs such as the Creative Communities Quick Response Professional Development Grants are a great way for council to support artists with some of their smaller out of pocket costs,” he said.

“This grant program has been designed to fill some of the funding gaps for artists and creatives that are unable to get funding support for professional development or equipment for small projects under either council’s or other external grants programs.

“I’m really excited to see how this new grant program will help the local creative sector and hope to see many Golden Plains creatives take up this funding opportunity.”

The grants can cover reimbursement of registration fees or associated costs or go towards the purchase of program resources necessary for a specific artistic application including cultural or heritage conferences, professional or skills development program, arts mentorships and residencies.

Open to applications on an ongoing basis, the grants will continue until all funds are expended with applicants to apply for up to $500.

For more details on the funding and how to apply for the Creative Communities Quick Response Professional Development Grants, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/grants.