Call for Merri-bek Arts Projects Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 25-Aug-2026

The Merri-bek Arts Projects Grant supports Merri-bek-based artists, arts groups, and organisations to develop and deliver innovative creative projects that benefit the community. The grant aims to strengthen sustainable artistic practice, increase cultural participation, and reinforce Merri-bek’s position as a leading arts centre.

Funding of up to $6,000 is available for individual artists and up to $12,000 for arts groups and organisations for eligible projects delivered between January and December 2027.

Grant Objectives

The Merri-bek Arts Projects Grant supports:

• Development and presentation of creative projects across all art forms.
• Sustainable creative and artistic practice.
• Artist-led projects that increase cultural participation.
• Innovative and ambitious artistic ideas.
• Projects that provide meaningful benefits to the wider community.
• Projects that contribute to Merri-bek’s arts and cultural profile.

Funding Available

Funding is available at the following levels:

• Individual Artists: Up to $6,000.
• Arts Groups and Organisations: Up to $12,000.

The grant can contribute to eligible project expenses but cannot cover the entire cost of a project. Applicants must demonstrate additional income or funding to support delivery.

Eligible Project Costs

Funding may be used for:

• Artist fees.
• Marketing and promotional activities.
• Audience development.
• Accessibility and access costs.
• Studio hire.
• Art and project materials.
• Other eligible costs directly associated with delivering the approved project.

Projects must be delivered between January and December 2027.

Priority Communities and Applicants

Preference is given to applications from First Peoples artists, groups, and organisations.

The program also encourages projects that align with Merri-bek Human Rights Priority Groups, including:

• First Peoples.
• People with disability.
• LGBTIQA+ communities.
• Migrant and refugee communities.
• Faith communities.
• Women, girls, and gender-diverse communities.

Who Is Eligible?

The grant is open to Merri-bek-based artists, arts groups, and organisations whose primary business is in the arts sector.

Individual Artists

Individual applicants must:

• Live in Merri-bek.
• Work professionally in the arts sector.
• Apply for an eligible creative project.
• Meet the program’s insurance and other application requirements.

Arts Groups and Organisations

Organisations must:

• Be based in Merri-bek.
• Have their primary business in the arts sector.
• Be a not-for-profit arts group or organisation, or
• Be a First Peoples business or arts organisation that is at least 51% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and operated.
• Be incorporated or supported through an auspice arrangement with an incorporated organisation.

Ineligible Projects and Activities

The grant does not support:

• Projects delivered outside Merri-bek.
• Activities already funded through another Merri-bek City Council grant for the same activity in the same financial year.
• Competitions and awards.
• Fundraising events.
• Hobby activities.
• Tertiary education qualifications.
• Projects promoting gambling or electronic gaming.
• Projects that do not meet the grant objectives.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

• Apply to only one grant category.
• Address all relevant grant objectives.
• Demonstrate additional income or funding for the project.
• Meet applicable insurance requirements.
• Have no outstanding Council grant acquittals.
• Have no outstanding debts to Council.
• Comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Meet Victorian Child Safe Standards where applicable.
• Follow Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property principles where relevant.
• Provide all required supporting documentation.

Supporting documents may include:

• Project budget.
• Public liability insurance certificate.
• Project support materials.
• Other documentation relevant to the proposed activity.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that they meet the Merri-bek residency or organisational eligibility requirements.
2. Select the appropriate grant category.
3. Develop an innovative arts project for delivery between January and December 2027.
4. Prepare a detailed project budget showing all income and expenses.
5. Identify additional funding or income sources.
6. Prepare supporting materials demonstrating the artistic quality and feasibility of the project.
7. Ensure insurance, legal, child safety, and cultural requirements are addressed.
8. Submit the application and required documents through the designated application process.

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications first undergo an eligibility review.

Eligible applications are then assessed by a panel comprising:

• Merri-bek City Council officers.
• An external representative.
• A First Peoples assessor for applications from First Peoples.

Assessment considers:

• Artistic merit.
• Sustainable creative practice.
• Impact and cultural participation.

Why This Grant Matters

The Merri-bek Arts Projects Grant provides direct project funding to artists and arts organisations developing new creative work. By supporting artist fees, audience development, accessibility, materials, and other project expenses, the program helps strengthen local creative practice while increasing community access to arts and culture.

The program’s emphasis on First Peoples artists and Human Rights Priority Groups also encourages greater diversity, representation, and inclusion within Merri-bek’s arts sector.

What Successful Applicants Must Do

Successful grant recipients must:

• Enter into a funding agreement with Merri-bek City Council.
• Use the funding only for the approved project.
• Acknowledge Council support in promotional materials.
• Obtain necessary copyright and intellectual property permissions.
• Maintain appropriate public liability insurance.
• Complete the approved project as agreed.
• Submit financial and written acquittal reports through SmartyGrants after project completion.

Application Tips

Applicants can strengthen their applications by:

• Clearly explaining the artistic concept and creative vision.
• Demonstrating how the project benefits Merri-bek communities.
• Providing a realistic and complete budget.
• Showing how the project will contribute to sustainable creative practice.
• Explaining audience development and accessibility measures.
• Providing strong examples of previous artistic work where relevant.
• Clearly identifying additional income or funding.
• Ensuring all required supporting documents are submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding is available?

Individual artists can receive up to $6,000, while arts groups and organisations can receive up to $12,000.

When must projects be delivered?

Funded projects must be delivered between January and December 2027.

Who can apply?

Merri-bek-based individual artists, arts groups, and eligible arts organisations can apply, subject to the specific eligibility requirements.

Can the grant cover the entire project cost?

No. The grant is intended to contribute toward eligible project costs, and applicants must demonstrate additional income or funding.

Are First Peoples artists prioritised?

Yes. Preference is given to First Peoples artists, groups, and organisations, as well as projects aligned with Merri-bek Human Rights Priority Groups.

What expenses can the grant support?

Eligible costs can include artist fees, marketing, audience development, access costs, studio hire, materials, and other approved project expenses.

What happens after receiving the grant?

Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement, use the grant as approved, acknowledge Council support, maintain required insurance, and submit financial and written acquittal reports after completing the project.

Conclusion

The Merri-bek Arts Projects Grant offers up to $12,000 in project funding for eligible local arts organisations and up to $6,000 for individual artists. The program is designed to support innovative creative projects, strengthen sustainable artistic practice, expand cultural participation, and promote a more diverse and inclusive arts sector across Merri-bek.

For more information, visit Merri-bek City Council.