The Victorian Government is backing the local artists and creative workers who are the lifeblood of the state’s $41 billion creative industries sector, through the latest round of the Creative Projects Fund.
More than $1.5 million in grants were announced to support 115 diverse projects spanning design, dance, literature, film, fashion, visual arts and music, which will create more than 1,000 job opportunities for Victorians.
The Creative Projects Fund supports Victorian artists, creative collectives and small businesses to bring their projects to life. Grants back the development of new creative work, projects that drive innovation, professional development and career-making opportunities, and initiatives to reach new audiences and markets.
To increase equity of access to these opportunities and ensure projects reflect the diversity of Victorians, the latest round of the program included streams for First Peoples and Deaf and Disabled creatives, and a separate focus area for creatives who have not previously received Creative Victoria funding.
One third of the recipients are based in regional or outer-metropolitan areas.
Funded projects include an innovative large-scale installation that will transform Castlemaine Library into an interactive storytelling hub; an app sharing First Peoples stories and soundscapes through a walking tour of Yorta Yorta Country, Shepparton; and storytelling and digital media workshops to equip young people with skills for creative careers.
A Diversity Writers Room will develop the skills of emerging screenwriters from underrepresented cultural backgrounds, providing practical experience and developing an original screen project, while a new residency program will provide a platform for artists and writers with complex mental health conditions.
Funded projects are also set to drive innovation and sustainability in sectors such as retail, fashion and textiles. From the development of a modular, relocatable retail fit-out prototype to a fashion swatch library that combines tactile samples with QR-coded digital resources.
The grants will also support new works of literature, fashion collections, an array of theatre, dance, music and theatre productions, exhibitions, and creative experiences designed for children.
Victoria’s creative economy provides employment to more than 327,000 workers – from performers and producers to designers, editors, technicians and beyond. We are proud to back the people who power our creative state.
Find the full list of recipients here