Sixty-eight Canberra artists, musicians, film makers, performers and other creative practitioners are set to receive grants through the latest HOMEFRONT and Arts Activities ($5 to $50k) funding rounds.
HOMEFRONT was announced in 2020 in response to the impact of COVID-19 on artists in Canberra. In this third round of HOMEFRONT, 54 applicants are receiving funding. The HOMEFRONT program has now supported a total of 179 artists across the three funding rounds.
Arts Activities ($5 to $50k) funding is open twice a year and provides funding to Canberra-based artists and arts groups for one-off projects. A total of 14 artists will receive funding through this latest round.
Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne said it was wonderful to see such a broad range of artforms receiving funding.
"We know artists have had a really difficult time since COVID-19 hit in March 2020.
"There is a depth of talent in our community, and it's great to see such a broad range of artists applying for and receiving funding through these initiatives.
"There are projects across dance, literature, music, screen, theatre and visual arts, including recipients from diverse backgrounds and First Nations artists."
Total funding of $717,892 will be provided to local Canberra artists through these two funding initiatives.
Successful applicants who will receive HOMEFRONT grants include musician Angus McAndrew who will receive $8,000 to record, mix, master and produce a video for new songs by Neko Pink, and performer Shawnah Cady who will receive $7,865 for video equipment and mentorship for their 'A Daddy and a Diva' show.
Arts Activities recipients include Sputnik Sweetheart who will receive $13,619 to produce their new EP Something More and Crossroads Movement who will develop artistic practice and a new dance work Sashay Café.
"Investing in our emerging and established artists and developing arts practices is a key part of the ACT Government's recently released Statement of Ambition.
"These funding rounds are about providing opportunities for artists – from those just starting out, to those who are well known – to create and enhance their practice.
"When our artists and creatives are supported, our arts ecosystem is strengthened and we all benefit from having a flourishing artistic community," said Minister Cheyne.
*Some artists have been funded through HOMEFRONT more than once.
Quote attributable to Lilah & Stephen Gow from Crossroads Movement:
"We are extremely grateful and excited to receive this funding. Bringing our deep love of street dance, contemporary practice and holistic approach together, this opportunity will be an immense support to our development as a new choreographic duo working towards our first full length work."
Quote attributable to Nette France from Sputnik Sweetheart:
"Receiving this funding is an incredible opportunity, and something we are deeply grateful for. In what has been a tough past few years for our band and our industry, this funding from artsACT will allow us to continue pursuing our creative vision as emerging Australian artists."
