Nicola Gunn - Piece For Person and Ghetto Blaster Photographer: Gregory Lorenzutti
**If you have received funding through this program and your project has been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19), please contact program staff listed below**
The VicArts Grants program invests in the creative endeavours and professional practice of Victoria's artists and smaller arts companies. It provides one-off support for discrete projects and programs that will develop and bring dynamism to Victoria's arts sector.
The program is open to new ideas, new modes of practice and new approaches to delivery of the arts that will build on Victoria's position as a cultural leader.
Download the VicArts Grants program guidelines below.
*Please note: there have been some changes to the guidelines for the 2019/20 rounds of VicArts Grants. Ensure you read the current version of the 2019/20 guidelines.
Funding available
Applications will be accepted for requests between $5,000 and $60,000.
Solo projects (i.e. one artist working alone) are eligible to apply for up to $20,000.
The program also includes a 2-year funding stream, providing 2 years of continued annual support to a limited number of successful applicants. To discuss appropriate grant requests please contact program staff.
Who can apply
- Individuals
- Organisations including arts, non-arts, community and local government.
The primary focus of the proposed project or program must include:
- Victorian based individual professional arts practitioners (emerging to established) and/or Victorian-based professional arts ensembles/organisations; and
- An artistic activity.
Key dates
2020
Round opens: 2 January 2020 using the Creative Victoria Grants Portal
Round closes: 5pm, 30 January 2020
For activity commencing after 1 June 2020.
NB. It takes approximately 12 weeks from the closing dates until funding results are available.
Who to talk to
Please note: We are experiencing a high volume of enquiries at this time so please contact only one staff member from the list below. Program staff will refer you to other contacts as necessary.
| Artform | Contact Person |
|---|---|
2-Year Funding | Chloe Turner: 8683 3179 or at chloe.turner@creative.vic.gov.au |
| Theatre | Sasha Leong: 8683 3140 or at sasha.leong@creative.vic.gov.au |
| Literature | Tegan Lang: 8683 3165 or at tegan.lang@creative.vic.gov.au |
Dance/Physical Performance | Eliza Mango: 8683 3128 or at eliza.mango@creative.vic.gov.au |
| Music | Chloe Turner: 8683 3179 or at chloe.turner@creative.vic.gov.au |
| Cross-Artform/ Multi-Artform | Chloe Turner: 8683 3179 or at chloe.turner@creative.vic.gov.au |
| Visual Arts | Sasha Leong: 8683 3140 or at sasha.leong@creative.vic.gov.au |
Links and downloads
Program guidelines versions
Windows: 2019/20 VicArts Grants program guidelines DOC, 238.0 KB
PDF: 2019/20 VicArts Grants program guidelines PDF, 208.6 KB
Application drafting tool DOCX, 32.4 KB
Budget drafting tool (XLS, 103.5 KB)
Tour itinerary template (XLS, 52.0 KB)
Information for all applicants
Creative Victoria Grants Portal
Current Recipients - August 2019
Previous Recipients - February 2019
VicArts Assessment Panel August 2019 DOCX, 25.9 KB
Previous recipients 2019
August 2019: In this round 40 projects across the state have been supported with grants totalling more than $1.2 million.
Abbotsford Convent
Abbotsford Convent Foundation, Abbotsford, $39,729: Development of Huru Hara, an immersive art installation exploring a diversity of South-East Asian arts practices and cultures, curated by Thomas Henning and Govin Ruben at the Abbotsford Convent as part of Asia TOPA in 2020.
Arts Access Victoria, Templestowe Lower, $18,320: Development and presentation of Little Brother, Big Sister, a new Australian play written by Michel Paul Tuomy examining what it is like to live with schizophrenia, as well as the carer-sibling relationship.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Joel Bray, West Footscray, $28,034: Second stage creative development of a contemporary dance-theatre work by artist Joel Bray exploring themes of colonisation, sex, consent and queerness.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Katrina Cornwell, Brunswick East, $19,999: Creative development and presentation of Everyone Is Famous, a contemporary theatre piece about living in the age of social media. Created by Riot Stage in collaboration with ten diverse young people to be shown as part of arts festival in 2020.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Ngioka Bunda-Heath, Brunswick West, $20,000: Development and presentation of Birrpai, a contemporary dance and photography installation examining the work of non-Indigenous ‘culturist’ Thomas Dick from the early 1900s.
Australian Art Orchestra, Newport, $120,000: Presentation of the Australia Art Orchestra's two-year artistic program in 2020 and 2021, including the creation of seven new works, local and international touring, residencies, and a professional development program for emerging Victorian leaders in music
BalletLab Association Inc (Phillip Adams BalletLab) on behalf of Ryan New, South Melbourne, $16,455: Second stage creative development of SICK, a contemporary dance work critiquing and challenging expectations of artists with disability, by dancer Ryan New in collaboration with BalletLab.
Brimbank City Council, Deer Park, $48,000: Creative development and presentation of Future Lens, a photographic and audio exhibition exploring the under-represented stories of women of colour living in the City of Brimbank.
City of Darebin, Preston, $28,350: To support a skills development program helping ten young people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds learn how to become programmers and producers before delivering an event in February 2020.
City of Whittlesea, South Morang, $60,000: Creative development and presentation of Bukjeh, a multi-artform exhibition and theatre work by artist Aseel Tayah based on the stories of refugees. The project will be developed in collaboration with the local community, culminating in seven performances at various venues.
Teneille Clerke, Collingwood, $5,000: Presentation of Fast Fashun an installation exploring ethical fashion. The installation is a collaboration by artists Tenfingerz and Sebastian Berto.
Zoe Croggon, Yarraville, $8,000: Support to attend a two-month visual arts residency at Varda Artists Residency in San Francisco, USA.
Dr Tal Fitzpatrick, Windsor, $10,000: To support Crafting the Next Wave of Resistance, a series of community textile banner-making workshops.
Flinders Quartet Inc, Docklands, $21,000: Development, performance and recording of three new works by First Peoples composer, Deborah Cheetham AO; political commentator, Katy Abbott; and emerging composer, Ella Macens. The project marks the quartet's 20th year and will include mentoring for emerging composers.
Gasworks Arts Park, Albert Park, $16,600: Presentation of Circus Showdown, a professional development opportunity for emerging circus and physical theatre artists to work with, and learn from, experienced circus professionals, culminating in a series of performances at Gasworks.
Gusher, Brunswick East, $15,000: Publication of the fourth issue of Gusher, a print music magazine written and created entirely by women and non-binary people.
Miranda Hill, Fitzroy, $32,878: Presentation of Homophonic!, a concert of new classical music written by queer composers that will tour to a series of regional pride festivals throughout Victoria.
Kill Your Darlings Pty Ltd, Footscray, $28,110: Presentation of a year-long program of activity by Kill Your Darlings, including an online publication, podcasts and in-person events.
Kyneton Contemporary Inc, Kyneton, $38,000: Development and presentation of Kyneton Contemporary Art Triennial 2021 which will showcase diverse artists and their works, across a range of venues in Kyneton, Victoria.
La Mama Inc on behalf of Sarah Kriegler, Brunswick East, $35,000: Development and presentation of The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2020, a six-day event held across La Mama Courthouse and Trades Hall during the 2020 July school holidays. The event includes puppet works for children by day and an adult program by night.
Sofie Laguna, Research, $15,000: Completion of Infinite Splendours, a character-driven novel telling the story of Lawrence Loman, a man profoundly damaged in childhood.
Jamie Marina Lau, Nunawading, $19,000: Development of the novel Gunk Baby exploring the writer's upbringing through the story of Leen and her new massage business in a local shopping centre.
Larissa Linnell and Eva Abbinga, Northcote, $19,999: Creative development of Shroud of Remembrance, a community artwork recognising women affected by violence, to be presented at a arts festival in 2020.
LIMINAL, Brunswick West, $78,600: Delivery of Liminal Magazine, a magazine that profiles and supports emerging and established Asian-Australian creative practitioners. Funding will enable two years of the online publication, the annual print publication, and a chapter book series.
Multicultural Arts Victoria Inc on behalf of Victoria Chiu, Northcote, $22,000: Final development and premiere season of What Happened In Shanghai, a contemporary dance production with live music and video art, by choreographer Victoria Chiu and artists from Australia and China.
Kevin Murray, Brunswick, $10,150: Creative development and presentation of Mohabbat - Objects of Love, an issue of Garland magazine focused on the creative practice of southern India, to be published in March 2020.
Music in Exile, Thornbury, $30,000: Support of Music in Exile, an organisation that supports culturally and linguistically diverse artists, to connect five artists from their program with other contemporary musicians to explore and develop a range of musical styles and new collaborative works.
Christine Mwaturura, Hawthorn, $12,385: Development of Single Black Female The Podcast, a comedy-drama exploring themes of immigration, race, culture, socio-economic privilege and female sexuality.
Photo Australia Ltd. on behalf of Hoda Afshar, Richmond, $19,400: Presentation of Whistleblowing as truth telling, a photography, video and sound work exploring the relationship between truth and censorship, by visual artist Hoda Afshar to be presented at a photography festival in 2020.
Print Council of Australia Inc., Fitzroy, $21,000: Development of Superpowers, a series of artworks and essays exploring energy that will be created by pairing four artists and four writers. Essays will be published in art journal Imprint, and artworks will be shown in local and interstate exhibitions. The group includes First Peoples artists and culturally and linguistically diverse artists.
Sister Sessions, Richmond, $8,965: Presentation of Sister Sessions Volume 6 - My Style Showcase, a program facilitating mentorships and studio space for female dancers, as well as costumes and support from lighting and staging technicians that will culminate in a showcase of performances. Adam Simmons, Northcote, $23,215: For composer Adam Simmons to present his jazz work Wu Xing - The Five Elements in Tianjin and Shanghai, China. The performance is inspired by Chinese philosophy, composed by Adam and performed by jazz trio Origami with special guests Wang Zheng-Ting, Pete Lawler and Sean Healy. South Gippsland Shire Council, Leongatha, $120,000: A two-year program of professional development, creation and presentation of works by '(it's no) drama', an inclusive theatre group involving people with and without disability. Dr.Priya Srinivasan, Keysborough, $18,770: Development of S3, an intercultural dance and theatre work exploring stories of three kinds of women through the ages, referencing mythical, historical and contemporary stories. TarraWarra Museum of Art, Healesville, $59,557: Creative development and presentation of The TarraWarra Biennial 2020 - Last Glimpse of the Land, including a public program that will feature seven Victorian artists and one Victorian-based artist collective. TCB art inc., Brunswick, $62,000: To support TCB Art Inc, an artist-run gallery space that showcases and supports experimental work from emerging and established Victorian artists, to develop a two-year program in 2020 and 2021. Centre for Projection Art Inc, Fitzroy, $36,000: Creative development of a residency and mentorship program for emerging artists at the Centre for Projection Art in 2020. The Pulse, Geelong, $20,000: Presentation of Market Street Studios, a pilot project using music and hip hop to empower young people from diverse backgrounds to create original works in Geelong. The program includes mentoring, writing workshops, access to recording facilities plus technical guidance. University of Melbourne on behalf of Chris Kohn, Rosanna, $60,000: For rehearsal and presentation of the world premiere season of the theatre work La Belle Epoque at Arts Centre Melbourne in 2020. Darrin Verhagen, Ferntree Gully, $5,150: Creative development of Our Stories, a suite of recorded audio stories for residents in aged care, featuring music and vivid narrative intended to activate memory and imagination. Designed by composer Darrin Verhagen and performance artist Moira Finucane.
February 2019: In this round 57 creative projects, involving more than 1,645 independent artists, will share in $1.6 million in funding.
2019 recipient - ELISION Ensemble received a grant to undertake a year-long program of public workshops, local performances and an international tour.
Jens Altheimer, Prahran, $23,423
The development and presentation of Whalebone, an interactive theatre experience for families that integrating puppetry, animation, shadow projection and physical performance.
Arapiles Community Theatre on behalf of Jillian Pearce, Natimuk, $40,000
Support for the production and presentation of a largescale aerial theatre performance work. The project will involve the construction of a bamboo-structure in which community-generated poetry, film, theatre and the aerial performances will be held. The project will focus on skill development in aerial theatre and in bamboo construction and will be led by Styckx Theatre.
Art Gallery of Ballarat, Ballarat Central, $25,876
To commission artistic duo Cake Industries to create a major new work. The new commission will explore the complexity of the human psyche and will feature Cake Industries' signature robotic, mechanical sculptures.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Alisdair Macindoe, Fitzroy North, $12,500
For the development of Reference Material, a dance work for three dancers that salutes the historical figures and social icons who have paved the way for the performers, and performance culture of today.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Charlotte Roberts, Coburg North, $8,600
To work with women from Uniting's Asylum Seeker Project - Women's Group to establish a creative collective that will explore improvisational, musical and composition skills.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Michele Lee, Coburg, $33,650
The rehearsal and presentation of Security, a new play by Michele Lee and Bridget Balodis that explores what happens when class, wealth and race relations collide with misogyny and inaction.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Mitchell Jones, Brunswick, $15,000
For the development and presentation of AutoCannibal, a physical theatre work that explores ideas of resource consumption, environmental exhaustion and social collapse.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Prue Lang, Port Melbourne, $26,500
For the development and presentation of Project F, a dance performance presenting positive and powerful female role models for broad and diverse dance audiences.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Sandra Parker, Elwood, $19,500
For the development and presentation of Adherence, a new dance work exploring the tension between regulation and control.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Weave Movement Theatre, Preston, $39,709
For the development and presentation of Wanna be a Rabbit, a physical theatre and butoh work directed by artist Yumi Umiumare in collaboration with Weave Movement Theatre, a company comprised mostly of performers with disabilities.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Yuhui Ng-Rodriguez, Geelong, $18,187
To collaborate with community members from Waterworld gym in Corio to create a theatrical work that explores the role of physical activity in our lives, scrutinises fads in training and health regimes, and celebrates our diverse and changing bodies over time. Titled Geelong Sweats, the work won't just explore changing bodies but also the changing nature of Corio and Geelong.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Zoe Barry, Kyneton, $10,000
To compose a new sound work that explores our encounters with lightning. The work will bring together cello, voice, field and oral recordings and the development stage will include two residencies in New Mexico and California.
Shokoofeh Azar, Geelong West, $15,000
The development of The Toubaa Tree of Our Kitchen, the second novel of a trilogy set in Iran that examines the impossibility of having normal, loving relationships under a repressive regime.
Sofi Basseghi, Brunswick East, $15,000
The development of a new solo exhibition created in collaboration with a group of Persian women who will share their experiences of overcoming patriarchy.
Black Hole Theatre, Southbank, $117,422
Support for two years' of diverse programming by Black Hole Theatre, including collaborations and performances that will take place regionally and internationally.
Blak Dot Gallery, Brunswick, $120,000
The development and presentation of Blak Dot Gallery’s programming over two years, including exhibitions, public programs and events that showcase the works of First Peoples artists.
Born in a Taxi, Altona North, $13,945
For the development and presentation of Stuff they don’t want you to ask, a playful and confronting live show and accompanying podcast where child hosts will challenge convenient truths that adults have come to accept.
Michaela Coventry, Abbotsford, $12,000
The development of an immersive installation that will bring to life the soundwaves as generated through a series of experimental voice performances. The installation will be presented in Sydney.
Dancehouse on behalf of Isabella Waru, Strathmore, $20,000
For the development and presentation of participatory dance-based work that will invite audiences to reflect on Indigenous issues and systematic oppression.
Susannah Day, Abbotsford, $27,680
For the development, rehearsal and presentation of Bighouse Dreaming, a play combining hip hop and theatre that explores contemporary white and Aboriginal masculinity. The play will be presented in Darwin and Brisbane.
Deakin University on behalf of Cassandra Atherton, Geelong, $13,202
The development of a poetry collection that reflects on the lives of Australian Elders and seniors and addresses issues surrounding the invisibility of older people in literature. Written by poets Cassandra Atherton, Ali Alizadeh, Jeanine Leane, Jessica Wilkinson and Alison Whittaker, the collection will be published and feature in a podcast.
Susie Dee, Brunswick, $29,952
An international tour of two plays written by Patricia Cornelius and directed by Susie Dee, to the 47th International Festival of Theatre at the Venice Biennale and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Arts Access Victoria on behalf of Chelle Destefano, North Wonthaggi, $5,500
Support for Chelle, who is a visual artist and illustrator who is deaf to undertake a mentorship on arts business and marketing.
ELISION Incorporated, South Yarra, $38,800
Support for the contemporary classical music group ELISION Ensemble to undertake a year-long program of public workshops, local performances and an international tour.
Footscray Community Arts Centre on behalf of Daniel Seifu, Maribyrnong, $7,000
Support for a concert featuring Ethiopian musicians and actors along with a masterclass that will create new works that will bring the traditions of Ethio-Jazz and traditional music together.
Amy Amos Gebhardt, Balnarring, $19,950
Support for the development and presentation of a solo show featuring large-scale cross-artform sound and image installations.
Mark Penzak, Campbells Creek, $16,864
For the creative development and presentation of Once and For All, a performance exploring death and the acknowledgement of our mortality through stories, poems, obituaries, music and tableaus. With the participation of the community, this performance will be held inside local cemeteries and led by theatre company Such As They Are.
Going Down Swinging, Parkville, $35,000
For the development and delivery of a year long program of literary activities across print, online and podcasts during Going Down Swinging’s 40th year.
Rae Howell, Invermay, $23,510
Support for the premiere of Bee-Sharp Honeybee, an arts-science project that will explore the secret and complex life of bees. The project will feature the Sunwrae Ensemble, a live string orchestra that will be synchronised with animated film. The event will also feature a hive of live honeybees.
The Huxleys, Collingwood, $15,000
The development and presentation of The Songs We Will Never Sing an exhibition by performance art duo The Huxley's that documents the work of a fictional glam rock band. The exhibition will include a music video, photography, contemporary dance and fashion along with an album.
Island Story Gatherers, Cape Woolamai, $43,350
For the development and delivery of the 2019 Phillip Island Festival of Stories, a festival that celebrates the art of storytelling in all its forms from books and publications to spoken word, film, music, visual arts and performance.
Andy Jackson, Castlemaine, $14,000
Support to develop a new series of poems that explore the connections between disability and climate change by connecting the breaking and survival of the body to the breaking and survival of the planet.
Zulya Kamalova, Coburg, $9,000
For the development and presentation of a major performance that will be created through a series of rehearsals involving community choirs. Rehearsals will be facilitated by a group of professional singers and will explore traditional song themes such as birth, marriage, work, immigration, war, healing and death.
Kill Your Darlings Pty Ltd, Footscray, $13,600
In partnership with Writers Victoria, Kill Your Darlings will deliver a writers workshops in Bendigo, Traralgon and Wodonga. Focused on supporting writers to build their craft and fid pathways to publication, the workshops will culminate in a publication of 15 pieces of original writing by writers living in regional Victoria, plus the commissioning of original artwork to accompany those pieces on the Kill Your Darlings website.
The Lifted Brow, Melbourne, $72,600
The production of eight issues of the quarterly literary journal The Lifted Brow for national and international distribution, focusing on boundary-pushing new works by emerging and established writers, including writers from diverse backgrounds.
Jade Lillie, Brunswick, $12,640
To support the publication and distribution of The Relationship is the Project, a new resource to support practitioners, artists and cultural workers to use best practice when managing and facilitating community-engaged projects.
Living Learning Australia, Kensington, $36,000
Support for Got Stuck, a workshop and performance program that sees musicians and mentors working with young Victorians in custody.
Georgia MacGuire, Maryborough, $16,500
For the presentation of Ngardang Girri Kalat Mimini (Mother Aunty Sister Daughter), an exhibition by a collective of First Peoples women and non-binary artists based in regional Victoria, to be staged at Central Goldfields Art Gallery.
Taku Mbudzi, Thornbury, $16,965
The development of Joyolo, a young adult novel about two teenage girls navigating the expectations of family, friendship and young love in a small community.
Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio Ltd, North Melbourne, $27,000
To commission four Victorian artists to create 20-50 minute multi-channel electronic sound works. Each commission opportunity will also give artists six-weeks worth of access to the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio's diverse collection of instruments.
Monash University on behalf of Rex Butler, Caulfield East, $19,900
For the publication of weekly reviews of Victorian exhibitions on the online art criticism site Memo.
Monash University on behalf of Brian Martin, Caulfield East, $120,000
For the development of TreeLines, an installation of glass and light-based sculptures that will be placed in the shadows of significant eucalyptus trees across Victoria. Created by Brian Martin in collaboration with Geelong-based First Peoples-owned company Wathaurong Glass and Arts and Custodians and registered Aboriginal parties across the state, the sculptures will be a visual signpost to Country and will help to promote First Nations Ways of Knowing across the Kulin Nations of Victoria.
Pauline Mackinnon, $12,000
For the development of a book by Senior Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Pat Ockwell working with writer Pauline MacKinnon. The book will tell Aunty Pat's story to help her people understand their culture and to be proud of who they are and where they come from.
Peril Magazine, Fitzroy North, $10,750
Asian-Australian art and culture journal Peril magazine will undertake a program of three online publications and two events, including one edition focused on the 2020 AsiaTOPA festival.
Stephen Phillips, Ascot Vale, $19,386
Support to present a series of theatre workshops that aim to develop and present a new work with performers of mixed abilities, and establish a network of inclusive arts organisations from both rural Victoria and Melbourne. This project is a collaboration between the 5angrymen (5AM) street-theatre company, YourDNA Creative Arts, CreateAbility and the BoilOver Performance Ensemble.
Michael Prior, Northcote, $21,970
The development and presentation of a virtual reality artwork. The VR artworks will explore the experience of time in a virtual space and will be created in Melbourne and Bangkok.
Erica Rasmussen, Moonee Ponds, $11,140
For an after-school student composition program. Led by sound artist and composer Nat Grant, the program will involve improvisation, exploration of different musical techniques and the performance of original compositions.
Rubiks Collective, Fitzroy North, $19,000
For the development of a major new work integrating music, movement, video and stage design to investigate the nature of time. The work will be created by ensemble Rubiks Collective working with composer Kate Neal and visual artist Sal Cooper.
Philip Samartzis, Richmond, $14,500
The development of Altitude, a sound-based installation that will explore the effects of climate change on high-altitude regions. Philip will take field recordings from the Bernese Alps in Switzerland and use them to develop immersive sound compositions.
SEVENTH Gallery Inc, Fitzroy, $113,110
Support for Seventh Gallery to present its 2019-2021 exhibition program. This support will allow the gallery to reduce its exhibition fees and increase accessibility for emerging and under-represented artists.
University of Melbourne, Parkville, $17,500
For the development and presentation of a multi-disciplinary art installation that explores waste and sustainability. To be presented at the University of Melbourne's Science Gallery, the project is part of a First Nations Art/Science residency and it will see emerging Indigenous artist Mitch Mahoney undertake a mentorship, in partnership with Footscray Community Arts Centre.
Visionary Images Inc, Richmond, $23,670
Support for a visual arts project where professional artists will work with children living at the Collingwood Housing Estate to create new artworks that will form an exhibition.
Negative Press, Elsternwick, $18,914
To celebrate contemporary Australian printmaking, and contemporary Australian art, by developing a series of prints that explore national identity. Developed through community-based workshops and collaborations, participating artists will include Brook Andrew, Maree Clarke, Eugenia Lim and Simryn Gill.
Andrew Westle, Red Hill, $13,100
For the development and presentation of Delving into Dance by Andrew Westle, an online platform and podcast series with a focus on dance in Australia.
Nicci Wilks, Fitzroy North, $17,450
To present the darkly comic physical theatre work The Long Pigs at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Brunswick East, $118,942
For the presentation of an arts mentoring program delivered by the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency over two years. Established artists Maree Clarke and Peter Waples-Crowe will mentor 10 young artists per year in weekly workshops.
Yarra Plenty Regional Library, South Morang, $9,400
Support for the development of a Literary Festivals Toolkit for Victorian public libraries. Drawing on Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s successful festival model, the guide will equip Victorian libraries located in suburban, outer-metro and regional areas with knowledge, information and tips on how to present literary festival-style programs.
Previous recipients 2018
October 2018: 65 diverse arts projects was supported through this round ranging from the development of manuscripts to dance and circus performances, workshops and international exhibitions to solo theatre shows and dynamic festival programs.
Artist Yumi Tsuchiya-Umiumare. Photo: Theresa Harrison
Abbra Kotlarczyk, $19,856
Presentation of Queer Economics, a multi-part, community-oriented, curatorial project that will present and involve Australian LGBTQIA+ artists, curated by Abbra Kotlarczyk and Madé Spencer-Castle. The project will consist of two exhibitions, a publication and a series of public programs.
Adi Sappir / Under the Olive Tree, $20,000
For the presentation of ‘Under the Olive Tree’, a concert of traditional and contemporary music, performed by Arabic and Jewish musicians.
Allison Wright, $5,250
For the development and presentation of a new electro-acoustic work for flute cello, piano, percussion and interactive electronics to be premiered in 2019.
Andrew McDonald, $11,995
For the development of 'Andrina of the Stars', a children's novel for readers 7-11 years old, exploring science, astronomy and our place in the world – individually and as a planet.
Astra Chamber Music Society, $90,000
For two years' worth of activities including twelve events, residencies and the production of books, scores and CDs.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Caroline Meaden, $9,140
Support for the presentation of 'Lady Example', a new dance work to be performed over a five-night season.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Catherine Ryan, $10,200
Creative development of a play that explores the relationships between a sovereign and invaders told through the story of dingoes and a young female hunter. The play will be developed by Catherine (Anglo-Celt Australian) in collaboration with playwright Andrea James (Yorta Yorta/Kurnai).
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Clare Bartholomew, $14,500
To collaborate with performer Daniel Tobias to develop a dark comedy and theatre work that explores long-term commitment, romantic disenchantment and the loneliness of an elderly couple.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Emma Valente, $30,000
Presentation of 'Night in March 2019', a theatre work exploring feminism and faith, by Victorian theatre company The Rabble.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of John Harvey, $20,000
For Indigenous production company Brown Cabs to partner with ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, to reimagine and develop a new production of the critically acclaimed theatre work 'Heart is a Wasteland' ahead of a national and international tour.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Lana Schwarcz, $28,000
For a project that will see theatre makers Lara Schwarcz, Penny Baron and Glynis Angell partner with Footscray Community Arts Centre, Stratford Courthouse Theatre and HotHouse Theatre to create and present a new comedic theatre work.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Lara Week, $23,000
Presentation of 'Them', a theatre work set in an unnamed city at war, that tells the stories of five people in the days before a boat leaves to Europe. Written by Samah Sabawi, the work is based on interviews with and stories of refugees fleeing from Syria.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Lilian Steiner, $18,000
For the development and presentation of the dance work 'Memoir for Rivers and The Dictator' which will be extended from its current 20-minute format into a full length work.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Luke George, $17,000
For the development and presentation of a new three-part dance work 'Public Actions'.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Miss Anna Seymour, $18,500
Creative development of an experimental contemporary dance work that explores mythological and futuristic feminist concepts. The work will be choreographed by Victorian choreographer Stephanie Lake for dance and theatre company for deaf and hearing dancers, The Delta Project.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Torika Bolatagici, $19,400
Presentation of 'Black Tourmaline', a project that will encourage and explore community discussion, resource-sharing and reflection on how Indigenous people and people of colour are manifesting modes of learning outside conventional institutions.
Auspicious Arts Projects on behalf of Yumi Tsuchiya-Umiumare, $19,000
Presentation and production of the third annual ButohOut! - a two-month festival-style program of public workshops, forums and multi-disciplinary performances that celebrate the Japanese dance theatre tradition of Butoh, presented in partnership with Abbotsford Convent Foundation.
Australian Book Review, $39,000
Development and presentation of the Australian Book Review's 2019 publishing program, including the publication of new work by Victorian writers, the delivery of the Rising Stars program for younger writers and an Indigenous Fellowship.
Billings and Ellis Pty Ltd on behalf of John Barcham, $60,000
Development of ‘Waterhole’, a large-scale puppetry and visual theatre work developed in conjunction with Melbourne Zoo and Zoos Victoria.
Blindside, $108,800
For a two-year program of activities including contemporary art exhibitions, events, public and education programs and a First Nations Engagement project.
Bridget Chappell, $12,000
Presentation of Sound School, a year-long series of workshops to teach young queer and gender diverse people, women, people of colour and people with disabilities about electronic music.
Bureau of Works, $30,000
Producer Erin Milne and Curator Anna Tregloan, will design and present a major showcase exhibition of Victorian artists, at the Prague Quadrennial 2019 with accompanying performances and artist talks.
Channels - The Australian Video Art Festival, $39,460
For the presentation of the 2019 Channels Festival a festival focused on video art that includes exhibitions, art writing and events.
Chloe Powell, $17,951
For the presentation of the 2019 Radiant Pavilion jewellery and object festival. This biennial festival includes curated programs and exhibitions, mentorships and a one-day symposium.
Chris Henschke, $15,000
Creative development of 'Entanglements', an installation artwork that will blend art and science to explore the entanglement phenomena. The work will be simultaneously presented in Australia and Austria.
Christopher Gooch, $9,630
For the publication and presentation of 'Wasteland', a graphic novel, exploring the pursuit of a meaningful life in a broken system.
City of Greater Geelong, $60,000
For the development and presentation of six 'sensory portals' - spaces that will present multimedia activations by local artists and community groups, to be presented at upcoming Geelong After Dark events.
David Wadelton, $6,000
For the publication of 'Suburban Baroque', an artist photography book that celebrates the domestic interior designs of Italian and Greek expats living in Melbourne in the 1960s and 1980s.
Edwina Bartlem, $19,995
Development and presentation of 'Fantastic Worlds', an exhibition and public program for families and children that explores the worlds of children's picture book art.
Eloise Grills, $19,699
Creative development of 'Big Beautiful Female Theory', a graphic memoir exploring bodies, feminism, mental illness, mothers, and daughters, from Colac to Melbourne.
Emily Bitto, $19,000
Final stage development of 'All the Old Symbols', a poetry collection exploring themes of the human relationship, to language and symbol-making.
Flinders Quartet Inc, $21,000
Support for the development and presentation of the Quartet's 2019 subscription concert season and composer development program.
Forest Collective, $12,500
Presentation of 'Orpheus', a new opera-ballet by Evan Lawson.
Inland Concert Series Inc, $19,750
Presentation of 12 events as part of the Inland concert series which celebrates Australian exploratory music. The latest season includes events in Castlemaine, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.
Jack Sheppard, $20,000
For the development of a solo performance work that explore suicide and trauma within Indigenous communities, and the journey of grief and acceptance for those affected. The work will incorporate experimental movement theatre, puppetry, dialogue, text and video installation.
Jane B Rawson, $19,500
For the development of a speculative fiction novel about the rise of individualism and authoritarianism in western democracies from the 1930s to today.
Jessica Knight, $6,200
For the creative development of 'Mormon Girl', a new solo show by writer-performer Jessica Knight working in collaboration with dramaturg Mark Pritchard and director Bridget Balodis. The show will draw on Jessica's experiences as an intersectional feminist with a disability raised in a Mormon family, and her learning to challenge the definitions of what’s 'normal'.
Johanna Fairley, $13,500
Presentation of Till Death do us Part, a physical theatre and circus show by dance, acrobatics and physical theatre collective One Trick Pony that explores the inevitable life stages we all pass through in the trajectory from birth to death.
Jolt Sonic Arts, $34,200
Presentation of the 2019 JOLT Sonic Festival, a three-day sound art festival, in collaboration with Footscray Community Arts Centre.
Jordan Marani, $9,670
For a month-long artist residency at Leipzig International Art Programme, Germany which will include the development of new large-scale paintings and prints.
Joseph O’Farrell, $18,500
To collaborate with theatre maker Emily Tomlins and over two hundred primary school students to create 'The Cabinis', a horror show written by kids, for adults.
Justin Marshall, $19,400
Development of 'Sonic Labyrinth', an experimental interactive sound work for children.
Kate ten Buuren, $39,921
For the creative development of 'Dis Rupt', a performance event curated by Kate showcasing eight interdisciplinary, emerging, Indigenous artists.
Kay Abude, $10,000
For the development of an artwork that explores the concepts and conditions of labour and value.
Make It Up Club, $20,000
Presentation of the 2019 Make It Up Club series, a series of weekly concerts of avant garde, improvised music and sound art performance.
Multicultural Arts Victoria Inc on behalf of Coree Thorpe, $16,500
For the development of 'The Mooroopna River Flats Yakapna Loitjpatj', a series of experiential paintings, photos, metal and resin works that explore identity, culture and family. The project will be undertaken with community consultation.
Myfanwy Jones, $20,000
For the development of 'The Black Bream', a contemporary literary fiction novel that explores how a family's fate intersects with the exploitation of the land, set in and around Tinaroo Dam in Far North Queensland.
Nana Biluš Abaffy, $24,000
Creative development and presentation of Post Reality Vision, an experimental choreographic work.
Nicci Wilks, $14,000
Support for physical theatre company WE3 to redevelopment and redesign its critically acclaimed theatre performance 'The Long Pigs', in preparation for a preview season at Adelaide Fringe, ahead of a tour to France and the UK.
Nicholas Tammens, $19,500
Support for the presentation of Welfare, a two-day symposium and exhibition on the topic of artists' welfare.
Paea Leach, $23,674
To collaborate with dancer and choreographer Alexandra Harrison to develop a dance performance work that explores the body, endurance, wilfulness and survival.
Phunktional Ltd, $35,000
For the development and presentation of 'Stories Beneath the Vale', a community-driven, digital story-telling project, exploring themes of violence and growing up as an Aboriginal woman in country Victoria.
Play On Arts Ltd, $20,954
For the development and presentation of a three-concert series that features classical chamber music presented alongside live DJ sets.
Rachel Ciesla, $5,000
Development and presentation of 'Healing Practices', an exhibition exploring the history of the Bundoora Homestead as a site of colonisation, domicile and restoration.
RMIT on behalf of Michelle Aung Thin, $6,155
For the creative development of 'Hosina', a novel for youth that explores the meaning of home and belonging in the context of the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya.
RMIT on behalf of Ronnie Scott, $16,000
Creative development of 'Shirley', a literary novel set in Melbourne's inner north, exploring real estate independence, and queer families.
Somebody's Daughter Theatre Company, $40,000
For the presentation of 'Dodging the Path', a series of creative engagement workshops exploring family violence, mental health and isolation. Workshops will be held in 2019 for artists from Benalla, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
Sonia Leber and David Chesworth on behalf of Sonia Leber, $29,700
To develop a multi-disciplinary longform video artwork. The work will be based around séance tapes recorded in Australia and New Zealand and will involve visual and sound design and exploratory choreography.
Sydney Review of Books, $6,000
To commission a series of short essays by four Victorian writers that give original, engaging and diverse accounts of what it is to be a writer in contemporary Victoria. The essays will be published in the Sydney Review of Books in 2019.
Tammy Brennan, $38,200
Presentation of an experimental opera that explores gender violence against women and girls. The work will involve artists from Australia, New Zealand and India and will premiere in New Delhi in 2019.
The Lifted Brow, $31,424
Support for the Brow Books publishing program in 2019. The program will include the publication of eight new titles by first-time/emerging authors, whose work is vitally important to the larger cultural conversation of this city, state and country.
Toby Fehily, $18,100
Support for the development of 'It's Not An Aircraft', a creative nonfiction manuscript exploring ufology and the nature of truth and belief. The work will focus on an investigation of the father of Australian ufology's strange life and even stranger disappearance.
Un Projects, $70,000
For a two-year program that includes four editions of Un Magazine, new content for the online platform Un Extended, a writer in residence program and a series of Un Conversation events.
Wang Zheng-Ting, $6,580
Support to present concerts in New York and Washington and to take part in the improvisation concert series Audiopollination in Toronto.
Witness Performance, $35,000
Support for the continued development of Witness, a curated website that aims to redefine and expand critical discussion of the performing arts.