Some of Melbourne's biggest cultural events and most-loved creative organisations will share in a $2.8 million boost under the City of Melbourne's Arts and Creative Investments Partnership program.
The City of Melbourne has awarded grants to 32 arts and creative organisations including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, the Melbourne Writers Festival and the Melbourne Fringe.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the City of Melbourne is investing more than $16 million in the arts this year to support our creative community.
"The arts and cultural industries are a huge factor in Melbourne's liveability and contribute more than $31 billion annually to the Victorian economy," the Lord Mayor said.
"Melburnians and visitors can normally enjoy stand-up comedy, live theatre and performances all year round. These events support bricks-and-mortar businesses, provide jobs for Melburnians and make our city vibrant and exciting.
"This investment by the City of Melbourne will help keep people in jobs and make sure our cultural community is supported during the pandemic and can recover as strongly and swiftly as possible. We are working towards reactivating our vibrant arts scene and reopening our city when it is safe to do so."
The Arts and Creative Investments Partnership grants replace the former Triennial Partnership Program. Successful recipients for two and four year funding can receive up to $100,000 and $350,000 respectively.
2020 grant recipients include:
• Multicultural Arts Victoria
• African Music and Cultural Festival
• Koorie Heritage Trust Inc.
• Illbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre Co.
• Craft Council of Victoria
• Melbourne Queer Film Festival
• Writers Victoria
Chair of the Arts, Culture and Heritage portfolio, Councillor Rohan Leppert said both big and small creative community organisations will play a role in our city's recovery.
"While the big names often receive all the attention, we're proud to also be supporting some of Melbourne's much-loved arts organisations for the first time," Cr Leppert said.
"Among the list of newcomers, funding has been awarded to Chunky Move, an innovative Melbourne dance company, as well as zine community hub, the Sticky Institute and the non-profit organisation Writers Victoria.
"Sticky Institute has stocked more than 17,000 zines since it opened in Campbell Arcade in 2001. The funding will allow the team to run the Festival of the Photocopier, mentor artists, and promote Melbourne's independent publishing globally."
Applications for Arts and Creative Investments Partnerships funding are assessed by an independent panel of assessors, with recommendations made directly to Council.
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