Grant keeps creatives working

SURF Coast artists and businesses have benefited from a state government grant to help keep creatives working.

Before coronavirus, the creative industries employed 280,000 Victorians, contributing $31 billion annually to the economy.

Labor member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said the grants would help ensure the long-term survival of creative business whose revenue has been affected by coronavirus.

“The Sustaining Creative Workers initiative is investing in the careers of Surf Coast creatives when they need it most. The Victorian Government is determined to help the sector survive, adapt, and connect with audiences during this pandemic and beyond.

“I’m pleased to announce these grants which will keep artists working through this tough period of restrictions, allowing them to future-proof their businesses and weather the storm.”

Surf Coast artist and graphic designer Natalie Martin was among the recipients to be announced last week.

Ms Martin received $5,000 for the promotion of her new online painting class.

She started running online classes in 2019 but before coronavirus had primarily focused on face-to-face teaching.

Ms Martin said she has looked to replicate the environment from the classes she teaches in-person.

“I enjoy the interaction of the in-person class so much, so I’ve tried to bring that kind of energy to the videos as well.

“I think that’s what people enjoy about it the most, it’s that it’s quite relaxed and it’s got more of a human quality than some other courses out there. It’s quite a natural process to bring it to camera.”

While Ms Martin is focusing on attracting the Australian audience, her online classes have been undertaken by people from countries such as Romania, Italy, and America.

She said she hoped her classes could help people find some peace.

“It’s really great timing when people are so stressed out and there’s so much going on in the world.

“It’s just an opportunity to escape if you can just relax into the process and then you get this beautiful outcome.”

Other recipients in the Surf Coast include Renee Treml, Geoffrey Carran and Rowena Martinich.