Shire grants to seed creative recovery

THE Surf Coast Shire will soon be offering grants of up to $3,000 to help local artists to recover and rebuild from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Arts Development Seed Fund, which opens on March 1, will support artists to develop work for an exhibition, performance, recording, or develop their creative practice, for example, by undertaking a residency.

The fund is designed to help stimulate artists and producers’ creative output, something that has been extremely difficult for them to do during two years of COVID uncertainty.

Cr Gary Allen said the last two years had been exceptionally tough on the arts industry.

“The Arts Development Seed Fund is about supporting our talented local artists and creative people to get back on their feet and bring back the wonderful performances, exhibitions
and events that we’ve all missed so much.

“If you’re an individual creative, it might mean that you develop an idea you have been harbouring as part of an artist residency program or professional production.

“If you’re a creative producer, you might be able to pay artists for a series of gigs in local towns, activating spaces and bringing the joy of live music or performance to town again.

“Or you might have used the last two years refining your project while you couldn’t bring it to life, and that one piece of equipment could really add value to what you can present.

“These are the sorts of opportunities that we want to enable.

“Opportunities for the creative people in our community to be inspired so that they can, one day soon, inspire us again too.” Applications for the grants will close on March 31.

To find out more or to apply, head to the Surf Coast Shire website or phone 5261 0600.

The Surf Coast Shire is also inviting performers to add their details to a new local music directory.

‘Inspired Performers’ helps people to find the perfect performer for their next event, by searching genre, location or band size.

For more information or to sign up, head to the Buy Surf Coast website.