New grants support public art projects

TWO projects illustrating the issue of plastic waste and the environment have received $5,000 grants in the Surf Coast Shire’s first Arts Development Seed Fund allocations.

The funding will enable creation of public art works aiming to change attitudes to plastic use across the shire.

Recipients were announced at the council’s Small Grants Program ceremony on June 13 which saw distribution of a further $36,118 in grants to 19 organisations, providing welcome boosts for community-focused projects.

Program allocations ranged from $800 to help Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club pay for a venue for a bronze medallion camp, to $3,500 for Torquay Community House to share among six user groups.

The council delivers two Small Grants Program rounds each year.

Cr Brian McKiterick, Cr Martin Duke and Cr Margot Smith presented the grants in the council chambers.

The Arts Seed Development Fund sought submissions on the theme “Detritus”, and the grant recipients were A Living Entity, by artists Maxine Bazeley and Clare Walton, incorporating a large scale mural, public performance and collaborative
education encouraging community sharing of ideas on the public waste; and To Hell Or Heaven In A Handbasket, by Katey McRae, Kellyann Vaughan and Josephine Lange, incorporating creation of a raft of sea rope collected from Surf Coast beaches, creation of tiny dolls made from discarded textiles and representing the world’s population, and a soundtrack of coastal life.

Cr Brian McKiterick said the Small Grants Program had run for more than 20 years and made immeasurable contributions to many organisations and lives.

“We can rest assured these are grants which make genuine difference in our communities.

“The 19 successful programs and purchases illustrate the wonderful diversity of organisations, activities and volunteer contributions that we might often take for granted across our shire.

“Being part of the presentation ceremony is always such a pleasure, and it is always great to hear updates on how much previous grant allocations have meant to the various groups.”