Artists, arts and cultural groups and organisations are invited to apply for a share in funding to support their projects through Council's Arts and Cultural Grants funding program for 2023/24.
The grants provide support for projects at any stage of the creative process and reflect the rich diversity of the Maroondah community. Grant applications open on Tuesday 14 March and close at 4pm on Friday 28 April 2023.
Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Rob Steane, said the funding can be used for a variety of projects.
"The Arts and Cultural Grant Funding Program is a fantastic opportunity to obtain Council support for a range of projects, including creative development and presentation, arts and cultural programs, and the activation of new arts and cultural spaces," Cr Steane said.
"The program aims to support community-driven projects, initiatives and events that increase Maroondah's arts profile and our community's participation in the arts. I encourage members of our community to apply via Council's website."
2022/23 grant recipients Yarrunga Community Centre installed a new sculpture, Beneath Tall Trees in Unity, with support from Council's funding program. The artwork was unveiled in December 2022 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Yarrunga Community Centre.
Sam Blackwell, Manager of Yarrunga Community Centre, said the funding helped the project come to life.
"Through community and Council involvement, we now have a beautiful piece of art that the community of Maroondah can view. Without the support of the funding, we would not have been able to achieve this without it impacting the centre financially."
The metal sculpture includes an owl, a kookaburra, a nest and a circle, representing unity, wisdom, nurturing, happiness and laughter. Its bush setting and name, Beneath Tall Trees in Unity, reflect the meaning of the word 'Yarrunga'.
The sculpture was created by artist and former Maroondah resident Tim Read of Tread Sculptures, whose passion for supporting members of the Burmese community aligns with the Yarrunga Community Centre.
"Tim is very passionate about recycling, community and giving back. Ten percent of his profits are donated to clothing, feeding and educating children in a Burmese village orphanage," Sam said.
"Tim and his family have been helping settle refugees from Burma in Melbourne and Bright for many years. The Burmese community are a very important part of our centre, where we support them with adult education, employment and social activities. So, we knew we had found our perfect partner!"
The Arts and Cultural Grants are part of Council's Community Grants funding program, which aims to deliver community-driven projects, initiatives and events that increase Maroondah's profile and participation within the arts.
"If you have a project that you identify as important in raising the profile of art and artists in Maroondah, I encourage you to apply. The process is simple, yet the outcomes are so beneficial to the community," Sam said.
