Arts grants and commissions now open to inspire creatives
Published on 06 August 2021
Frankston Arts Centre has enhanced its commitment to our arts community with a range of grants and commissions now open to inspire, nurture and energise our creatives.
North East Ward Cr Suzette Tayler said the Artist Project Grants – proudly supported by Frankston City Council – are now open to artists and creatives living, working or with strong connections to Frankston City.
Cr Tayler said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to bring a creative project to life. If you have an innovative idea and the capacity to deliver upon your vision we'd love you to apply.
“Frankston City Council has continued its commitment to support COVID 19 recovery initiatives as part of its $9.128 million Recovery Package and is proud to support local artists to create work that contributes to our vibrancy, culture and community,” Cr Tayler said.
Cr Tayler added: “Funding is available to individual artists, creatives or artists practicing within a small arts organisation from all backgrounds and abilities, at all stages of career whether emerging, mid-career or established.
“The funding will be distributed to six successful recipients, with at least one of the grants dedicated to realise creative projects for artists with disability. We also welcome applications that engage with these communities in a meaningful and significant way,” Cr Tayler said.
Up to $5,000 will be awarded to six local artists for Artist Project Grants and submissions close on Friday 27 August 2021. For more information, please visit https://artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/Whats-On/Latest-News/Frankston-City-Arts-Grants
Alison Tedesco, who received an Artist Program Grant of up to $4000 in 2020, said the recognition and acknowledgement had provided a huge boost, adding: “It’s certainly been a wonderful blessing as an artist to be supported and encouraged by some amazing facilitators within Frankston City Council.
“It has given me a clear direction in my practice, exposed me to invaluable contacts for further art projects and bolstered my passion to continue the journey as a practicing urban landscape artist living in Frankston,” Ms Tedesco said.
Dance artist, Beth Lane, who also received an Artist Program Grant of up to $4000 in 2020, said: “To be supported by my local Council and the area I’ve had a lifelong connection to, is really appreciated. I can’t wait to bring some more dance to the community.”
Visual artist and sculptor, Emma Ikin, who received an Artist Program Grant of up to $4000 in 2020, said: “I feel really passionate about the arts and creative community so for Frankston to recognise and support local artists at this time is really wonderful. It's a real privilege to be able to keep contributing to the creative culture of Frankston.”
South Side Festival Commissions
In other exciting news, applications are also now open for four $5,000 artistic commissions for South Side Festival, which will bring local artists and creatives from across the state to present projects within Frankston City, and is scheduled for 6 – 15 May, 2022.
Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy said South Side Festival is an exciting new signature arts event that will feature local artists, adding: “We’ve invested $270,000 in South Side Festival which will support our unique local artists, attracting local entertainment, tourists and boosting our local businesses and economy.”
Cr Conroy said: “Council is seeking expressions of interest from creatives for artistic works to be presented within South Side Festival period. We encourage creatives across all artistic mediums, platforms and career stages to apply.”
Expressions of Interest close on Monday 30 August 2021.
South Side Festival will offer a comprehensive program of thought-provoking curated art, cultural, heritage and food experiences across multiple venues and spaces that will transform Frankston city, while providing opportunities for existing events, local businesses and locally grown content to flourish.
For more information, please email Senior Producer, Freyja Macfarlane, at freyja.macfarlane@frankston.vic.gov.au.
HATCH Arts Incubator Program
Council Manager Arts and Culture, Andrew Moon, said in other support for artists, the HATCH arts incubator program returns in 2021 with a dynamic workshop and speaker series focusing on professional and practical skills application for artists.
Mr Moon said: “Local artists are encouraged to attend a series of high quality, low cost workshops and speaking events to increase their arts business knowledge and improve their professional arts skills.”
The next HATCH workshop ‘Writing Life, Writing Self’ is on 12 August, while others in the series include, ‘Money is Not a Dirty Word’, ‘Social Media Marketing’ and ‘The Business of Craft’. For more information about HATCH, please visit https://artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/About/Education-and-Opportunities/HATCH-Workshop-Series-for-Artists