Funding art to promote action

PUBLIC art projects that inspire local climate action will be among those to receive support through the Surf Coast Shire council’s 2020 Arts Development Seed Fund.

The fund, now in its second year, will offer up to $5,000 for innovative and multidisciplinary art instalments designed to benefit the community and seed ideas for a sustainable future.

The council said its decision to declare a climate emergency in 2019 motivated this year’s theme – “Creative Action for the Climate Emergency”.

Shire mayor Rose Hodge said she was excited to read through submissions in March.

“This program encourages collaborations between Surf Coast Shire artists, local businesses, schools and community groups.

“It’s a fitting theme, and we can’t wait to see the ideas come in and hopefully help bring them to life.

“We know there’s a strong desire in the community for support and leadership on tackling climate change. This program is one way we can support our creative community to raise awareness of this global issue.”

Last year’s inaugural Arts Development Seed Fund awarded funding to two projects, both of which aimed to change attitudes towards plastic use across the shire.

One was a large-scale mural titled “A Living Entity” at Djila Tjarri Skate Park in Torquay, while the other was a sea rope and discarded textile creation “To Hell Or Heaven In A Handbasket”, which was showcased at the heritage Footy Shed in Deans Marsh.

Applications for the 2020 Arts Development Seed Fund open on Sunday, March 1 and close on April 9.

First Nations artists are strongly encouraged to apply. Successful recipients will be announced at a ceremony at the shire’s council chambers later this year.

For more information and to apply, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/seedfund.