The 2020/2021 City of Mount Gambier Creative Arts Fund is now open for applications, with a total of $50,000 available to local artists, not-for-profit organisations and community groups to support the delivery of vibrant, creative and contemporary projects.
The Creative Arts Fund aims to to support programs, projects, initiatives and events that enrich Mount Gambier and encourage cultural tourism through the activation of public spaces that create a vibrant street culture, attract visitors and generate a sense of community attachment and civic pride.
This year there is an increase in the amount of funding available as we see the creation of public art as a celebration of Mount Gambier and our residents. Not only do we get to highlight the talent this region attracts, but also champion our outdoor spaces. - City of Mount Gambier Arts and Cultural Development Officer Serena Wong
Previous recipient Justin Clarke was able to complete his concept ‘Shine in the South East’, a mural in Commerce Arcade, with the assistance of a grant from the 2019/2020 round of the Creative Arts Fund.
“I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to work on a mural like this to try and beautify our city. I feel it is extremely important to continue to fund projects for artists to showcase their talents, as well as enhancing the landscape, and also potentially boosting tourism for our city,” Mr Clarke said.
The funding is available for creative projects within the City including a site-specific project at Ripley Arcade in Commercial Street West. Projects may focus on performing and visual arts, literature, film, design, multimedia, history and heritage and must align with the City of Mount Gambier Community Plan, Culture and Heritage Plan and Public Art Strategy, with applications assessed against the priorities detailed in the program guidelines.
The project team will host a question and answer session to assist prospective applicants at The Riddoch and Main Corner Complex on Thursday 20 August 2020 at 6:00pm.
“We will be outlining some crucial information at the Q&A session on Thursday, so we encourage anyone who is thinking about putting in an application for this year’s fund to register for the event and come along to find out all the details,” Ms Wong said.
"With the extra funds available we are looking for exciting and ambitious projects that will inspire our community, and through the Q&A session we’ll really be able to highlight the extent of the opportunities available.”
The guidelines and application form for the Creative Arts Fund are available at www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/creativeartsfund
To register for the Q&A session, phone The Riddoch and Main Corner Complex on 8721 2563 or email maincorner@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
Applications close on Monday 14 September 2020 at 5:00pm.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Ashlea Watson on 8721 2577 or awatson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
