Campaspe Shire Council is delighted to announce the seven successful recipients of the 2026 SPARK Arts & Cultural Grants Program, delivering a boost to local creativity, cultural expression and community-building through arts and cultural activity.
With a total funding round of $48,150, the SPARK grants empower individual artists, creative collectives, cultural practitioners and creative organisations across Campaspe's communities to bring their artistic visions to life.
Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said Council was committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community through support for local and regional creativity, culture and community-led initiatives.
"By supporting local creatives, we strengthen our identity as a creative shire and enrich the cultural fabric of our region.
"The SPARK Arts & Cultural Grants Program is a key funding opportunity to nurture and celebrate the creative talent and cultural diversity in our region," he said.
"We're excited to see the projects these grant recipients deliver with new ideas, artworks and experiences that will bring our communities together across Campaspe."
SPARK 2026 grant recipients
$8,500 - The Stella Prize - Stella Day Out: Echuca (Stella x Ripple Fest) a one-day literary festival that will celebrate women and non-binary writers in collaboration with Echuca Library.
$7,500 - Tongala Development Group - Keys to the Hall: Bringing Tongala's Grand Piano to Life will revive Tongala Shire Hall's grand piano with community-driven performances, celebrating music, creativity and connection.
$5,000 - Ms Christy O'Brien - Echuca Moama Storytellers Festival will establish a new website and social media platforms to support development of an inaugural Echuca Moama Festival of Stories.
$5,000 - Girls on the Rize - The Girls on the Rize Project will enable the engagement of a First Nations Elder and Cultural Leader/Artist to support the creative development of local young women.
$10,000 - Melinda Floyd - Creative Echuca Mural Project will bring the local community together to design and install a new mural artwork in Echuca South.
$7,150 - Comedy Victoria - Bendigo Comedy Festival Showcase will feature artists performing at Kyabram Plaza Theatre and Toolleen Hotel, along with free comedy workshops for the local community.
$5,000 - Eden Kenneth Beaumont - Forging the Forger will support young artist Eden Beaumont's blacksmith and metalwork skills through a mentorship program including working with Master Blacksmiths.
Cr Mackrell said initiatives such as SPARK reflected Council's ongoing commitment to arts and culture as a cornerstone of community life and creative expression.
"These grants are an investment in the creativity and resilience of our communities. By backing local artists and cultural projects, we're not only supporting individual talent but creating opportunities for connection, learning and shared experiences that make Campaspe such a great place to live," Cr Mackrell said.
Projects are expected to commence soon, with the full suite of creative works due for delivery in 2026.
Council encourages members of the community, including residents, local media and stakeholder organisations, to stay tuned and support these artists as their work unfolds across the shire.
