Grants to take the arts on tour

THE Victorian Government has rolled out two grants programs to get more shows to regional and outer metropolitan areas, and applications for one of them close today (Thursday, March 25)

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman has invited creative and community organisations large and small to explore the grants available through the Touring Victoria program.

Regional arts and cultural organisations with plans to tour professional productions, performances, exhibitions or programs to other regional and outer metropolitan locations across the state are invited to apply for support.

Projects that have received Touring Victoria support in previous years but had to shift their plans to 2021 or beyond due to the pandemic can also apply for support to remount their tour and put COVIDSafe measures in place.

Applications close at 5pm today (Thursday, March 25).

The other grants available were through the Small Regional Presenters Program, which offers grants to incorporated community organisations and local government bodies in regional area to bring performing arts shows to their communities and venues.

Past recipients have included local hall committees, mechanics institutes, neighborhood house committees, preservation and progress associations, festival organisations and arts councils. The program was open to the full spectrum performing arts and live shows, including theatre, music, dance and literary events.

The Victorian Government says the two grants are in addition to the more than $40 million in the State Budget to support creative reactivation and recovery in regional and outer metropolitan areas.

“After the events of 2020, our community is ready to get back to doing the things that we love, including experiencing creative COVIDSafe events and performances,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“If you have an idea for a show that would be bring the community together, or you’re a creative organisation planning to go on tour, I encourage you to find out more about the programs on offer and apply.”

For more information, head to the Creative Victoria website at creative.vic.gov.au.