3 August 2022

The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to invest in the people and ideas at the heart of the state’s creative industries, with a new fund to help bring projects from Essendon to life.

Member for Essendon, Danny Pearson MP today invited Essendon independent creatives to apply for the new Creative Projects Fund, which will support them to develop, present or launch new creative content, products and experiences.

Grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 are available to individual creatives, and creative collectives or micro-businesses at all stages of their careers.

The Creative Projects Fund is open to a wide range of creative disciplines – from visual art, writing, theatre, designing, dancing, game development, music or crafts.

Eligible projects could include presenting a performance or exhibition to new audiences, launching a new video game or fashion label to international markets, writing a manuscript, developing virtual reality experiences or new creative products, and much more.

Designed to ensure what is seen on Victoria’s stages, screens and gallery walls reflects the diversity of the community, the fund includes dedicated streams for First Peoples and Deaf and Disabled creatives. Applications are also encouraged from culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTIQ+ and regionally based creatives.

The Creative Projects Fund is part of the Labor Government’s Creative State 2025 strategy. It replaces the previous VicArts grants program, extending opportunities to those working in all parts of the state’s creative industries, and offering a more streamlined, flexible and responsive application process.

Applications for the Creative Projects Fund close at 3pm on Thursday, 11 August. The Deaf and Disabled stream will remain open until 3pm on 18 August.

For more information or to apply, visit creative.vic.gov.au/grants-and-support.

Quotes attributable to Danny Pearson MP, Member for Essendon

“Independent creatives and small collectives drive our creative industries – across Victoria and here in Essendon. We’re proud to support our local creatives to do what they do best and take their work to the next level.”

“If you are a professional artist or creative and have a project to bring to life, the Creative Projects Fund is here to back you.”