Moreland Council is offering support to Moreland artists and art organisations of all backgrounds and abilities through the 2019 Arts Activation Grants.
Applications are open now until the end of June, with grants of up to $8,000 on offer for one off activities, small event grants up to $1,000 available for small activations and annual events funding for up to three consecutive years to a total of $8,000.
Moreland Mayor Councillor Natalie Abboud said the grants offer funding and new opportunities to support and celebrate our diverse, creative community.
"Our annual Arts Activation Grants shine a light on our rich local arts community - they connect, promote and encourage our talented local artists and foster fresh ideas and projects that benefit our whole community," Cr Abboud said.
In 2018, Merri Murnong, a local volunteer group, received a grant for the 10th Merri Murnong Gathering, held in November. The event was a celebration of indigenous culture, including the harvest and cook up of edible indigenous plants, dancing, stories, ochre handprints, and a community arts project.
Melissa Laing from Merri Murnong said the grant provided resources and support to deliver a very significant event.
"It enabled us to celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of the Wurundjeri community, where around 200 people actively took part in a celebration of indigenous culture, food, dancing, stories, and a community arts project," Laing said.
"It has been a positive cross-cultural experience to strengthen our community and bring people together. I would encourage others to apply for an Arts Activation Grant."
Moreland's Arts Activation Grants aim to encourage artists and art organisations to be based in the City of Moreland, to foster new ideas for arts projects, both big and small, that reflect the diversity of Moreland, to build connection and pride in neighbourhoods through community led arts and cultural activities and to encourage more people to engage in artistic and cultural initiatives in Moreland.
