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Cultural Development Fund

Friday, June 19, 2009

$145,000 for Culture from Council’s Cultural Development Fund

The Cultural Development Fund aims to assist and encourage local artists and local arts organisations to enhance the creative, artistic and cultural life of the city. It’s one way council is supporting and recognising the importance the arts play in the community.

“The City of Port Phillip has historically been an artistic hub and council is intent on maintaining that tradition. We want to ensure the city remains a vibrant and affordable place for artists to live and work,” said Mayor Frank O’Connor.

“Its a win win situation. By funding the program, council helps build the capacity of local artists, while those artists help build and maintain the City of Port Phillip’s reputation as a vibrant and creative community,” he said.

22 out of 60 applicants were successful in their bid for a grant to help fund their creative endeavours.

To be successful applicants must demonstrate creativity and innovation. Applicants must live or work in the city. The project must be based in the City of Port Phillip and add value to the experience of Port Phillip audiences. Applicants also need to demonstrate that their projects are fully budgeted.
“These criteria ensure that council gets the best creative outcomes for its investment,” he said.

All applications were assessed by the Cultural Development Fund Committee, which is made up of one councillor and four community members with broad experience in the arts and culture sector.

This year’s successful projects include a variety of art forms which will be presented in venues across the city. They include a street re-enactment of historical events, a musical performance at a tram station, and a performance season showcasing emerging independent circus and physical theatre performances.

Successful applicants will receive their funding at a cheque handover event in late July.

Enquiries: Anna McNaughton, Communication Officer, 03 9209 6581 or 0466 142 423
or Mayor Cr Frank O’Connor on 03 9209 6431 or 0432 289 012.