A confidence-building soccer program and an Australian Tapestry Workshop residency for a talented Indigenous artist are just two local projects recently benefitting from nearly $465,000 in Port Phillip Council grants.
One Ball's free 90-minute soccer-based program is the only activity of its kind in Port Phillip. Funded through this year's Community Grants Program, the games and exercises are designed to develop the confidence of young people aged 7 to 18 from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Under a Cultural Development Fund grant, Boon Wurrung, Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti artist Lee Darroch will be an artist-in-residence at the Australian Tapestry Workshop in South Melbourne in 2019/20. A coiled basketry installation from natural local materials, together with silk, cotton and fibres will be created for exhibition.
Mayor Dick Gross said the two annual grants programs, which support a total of 65 community projects this year, show Council's commitment to an inclusive and creative Port Phillip.
"Council is proud to provide grants to help these community-minded organisations and individuals continue their great work across Port Phillip. These services and opportunities encourage participation and engagement with the broader community, which contributes to our City's vibrant, cultural life," Cr Gross said.
Through the Community Grants Program, $281,000 was allocated to 46 projects across 29 organisations to provide additional support to the community sector. Grants of up to $10,000 were awarded under three funding categories:
- Community Strengthening
- Social Inclusion
- Program Support.
Housing, homelessness and health services were among the grant recipients, as were sport and cultural participation groups. These organisations promote inclusion by supporting people with disabilities, Indigenous Australians, children and young people, migrants and refugees, as well as the wider community.
"Our Community Grants Program provides real and tangible benefits to individuals and the community across a range of needs. The organisations which support our community are vital to residents and I am looking forward to learning about the great outcomes," Cr Gross said.
Cr Gross said Council is also proud to support the next wave of talented artists through Cultural Development Fund grants, with $183,555 allocated across 19 projects to assist local artists and art organisations develop creative and innovative pieces.
"Port Phillip is a renowned cultural hub, and Council is pleased to be able to support artists to create and show their work in our City," Cr Gross said.
Successful projects cover the performing arts, visual arts, dance, theatre, music, and multidisciplinary projects, and received between $2500 to $12,000.
The Cultural Development Fund supports projects at a local level which might not be eligible for State or Federal government funding. The Fund attracts applications from emerging and experienced artists, and small to medium arts organisations for works which engage the local community or might be of local interest.
Email feather basket woven by Lee Darroch.
