Funding for arts grants needed

A GRANTS program that benefits Bendigo-based arts organisations run by The Ulumbarra Foundation is seeking donors.

Established in 2018 and known as Performing Arts Power Up grants, local groups have received $50,000 in support, but Ulumbarra Foundation chair Carolyn Stanford said they still need help.

“It’s so important,” she said. “These companies were really badly affected during COVID-19.

“As people know art organisations couldn’t do performances and audiences couldn’t go to things so these arts companies really suffered during that time.

“I think it’s particularly important now that there is some resourcing available to help them get back on their feet.”

Helping the region’s artists and organisations is the reason the charity was created said Ms Stanford.

“Ulumbarra Foundation was established because there was no charitable foundation that allowed funding to flow into the broader performing arts in the Bendigo area,” she said.

While Ms Standford said $5000, the amount of the donation, might not seem like a lot in the performing arts world, it could make a difference to local companies and she recommends applying when funding becomes available.

“The $5000 isn’t a huge amount but I would really encourage organisations to apply,” she said. “I even encourage them to contact us or jump online and have a look at the criteria.

“Companies can put in a draft application and say, ‘does this look like the sort of thing you would fund?’ and we will provide advice to them on that.”

If you would like to show your support and donate to the Performing Arts Power Up program head to bit.ly/3E6a4zi.