New funding round for young artists

YOUNG artists have another opportunity to secure financial support for their work, with the City of Greater Bendigo opening applications for the next round of its Create Lab Small Grants program.

Grants of up to $2000 are available for artists aged 16 to 25 to help them pay for new creative work.

Successful applicants will also be supported by an established creative mentor who will be matched with projects based on the nature of the applications.

All are professional, working artists who are willing to share their experience and support young people.

Applicants are being asked to submit ideas for projects that can respond to the themes of people, place, time or culture.

Proposals can involve any artform, including but not limited to visual arts, illustration, installation, sculpture, fashion, writing, storytelling, spoken word, dance, theatre, music, sound art, video art, film, new media, animation and experimental arts.

The grants are designed to help young artists explore new ideas and develop their creativity while giving them practical advice through the mentors.

The program itself provides access to workspace, a meeting space, a studio for filming and a green screen, and grant money can be used for things like fees, equipment and materials.

Projects must be untested ideas that need support to be explored and must demonstrate that funding is important to development and the artist’s skills.

The City will host an online information session at 5pm on Wednesday 30 October and an in-person session is scheduled for 4pm on Friday 1 November at the Emporium Creative Hub in Mitchell Street.

A grant writing workshop is also planned and is scheduled for 4pm on Friday 8 November at the creative hub.

The City’s creative industries officer, Mandy Field, said having a mentor involved in individual projects was a fantastic opportunity for young creatives.

“This next round of Create Lab grants will not only support young and emerging artists to realise a new creative idea or project but will also create the opportunity for them to build connections and broaden networks in the creative industries sector through the support of an artist mentor,” Ms Field said.

“Through both one on one and peer to peer networking workshops during the program, young and emerging artists will be able to extend their capacity and build important skills and knowledge around ways of working creatively.”

More information about the grants program and the latest round of funding is available in the community services section of the City’s website.

Inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or by phoning 1300 002 642.