Applications close soon for DEVELOP grants

SURF Coast artists have the chance to apply for significant funding through a Surf Coast Shire grants program.

Individuals can apply for grants of up to $3,000, and not-for-profit creative groups can apply for up to $5,000.

The grants are part of the DEVELOP creative grants program, which aims to support creative exploration by individuals or groups, allowing successful participants to pursue directions, ideas and concepts.

Torquay-based multidisciplinary artist Fiona McDonald, who combines use of ceramics and felted wool, successfully applied in 2023.

“My DEVELOP grant assisted me with the purchase of a piece of equipment and materials – a slab roller and porcelain – enabling me to deepen my practice and increase the size of my works through consistent testing of the clay,” she said.

“Using clay as a 3D medium, it allowed me to test larger pieces for use in sculptural works later in the year.”

McDonald went on to exhibit as a finalist in the National Emerging Art Prize, Fisher’s Ghost Ceramic Award, North Queensland Ceramic Award and Deakin Small Sculpture Award.

Her work also featured in the Brunswick Street Gallery small works art prize exhibition, Torquay Hoop Gallery’s Tangibility of Time and Memory exhibition and in Geelong’s Yarra Street Window Gallery.

“Through this grant I was able to further develop my ideas around time and memory,” McDonald said.

“I created sculptural works that I exhibited at the Lightbox in Torquay and consequently at the Hoop Gallery, as well as the fortyfivedownstairs gallery and the Brunswick Street Gallery in Melbourne.

“I have also had works selected for a number of awards.”

The program is open for applications until Monday, March 3 via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/DEVELOP

Emerging, mid-career and established artists are encouraged to apply.