Call for Applications: Arts Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 04-Oct-2026

Mount Barker District Council is inviting applications from professional artists and arts organisations for grants supporting the creation of new works of high artistic merit in the Mount Barker District. The Arts Grants Program supports projects that contribute to the district’s economic, cultural, environmental, and social fabric. The programme also aims to strengthen professional arts practice, encourage local engagement, and promote the unique character and identity of the Mount Barker District. Applicants can request up to $5,000 for eligible project costs.

About the Arts Grants Program

The Arts Grants Program is designed to enhance the liveability of the Mount Barker District through support for high-quality arts projects. The programme aligns with the Council’s Arts Plan 2022–2027, with a focus on: - Arts and cultural tourism. - Professionalisation of arts practice. - Local community engagement. - Promotion of the district’s character and identity. - Contribution to the district’s economic, cultural, environmental, and social fabric. What Projects Are Supported? Funding is available for projects demonstrating strong artistic merit.

Projects must either be:

- New projects. - A new or extended stage of an existing project. Projects must also include an opportunity for public engagement and have a clear connection to the Mount Barker District. The programme is intended to support creative projects that provide benefits to artists while contributing to the cultural life and identity of the district. Eligible Artforms The programme supports a broad range of professional artistic practices.

Eligible artforms include:

- Public art. - Visual arts. - Ceramics. - Drawing. - Filmmaking. - Painting. - Photography. - Sculpting. - Performing arts. - Moving image. - Literary arts. - Interdisciplinary arts. - Experimental arts. - Live music performances. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants can request up to $5,000 for their proposed project. Funding can contribute towards specific project costs, including: The grant can form part of a larger project budget. However, applicants should clearly identify the specific component of the project for which Council funding is being requested. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to professional artists and arts organisations active in the Mount Barker District.

Eligible applicants include:

- Individual professional artists. - Professional artist groups. - Emerging artists. - Mid-career artists. - Established artists. - Arts organisations. Applicants must have an active ABN and current public liability insurance, or commit to obtaining the required insurance if their application is successful. Applicants must also provide letters confirming relevant project partnerships where applicable. Only one application per applicant is permitted. Applicant Requirements Applicants must meet the programme’s administrative and project requirements.

Applicants are required to have:

- An active ABN. - Current public liability insurance, or a commitment to obtain it if successful. - Relevant project partner confirmation letters. - A project with a clear connection to the Mount Barker District. - A project that provides an opportunity for public engagement. Artists should also ensure that project budgets provide artist payments at industry standard rates. Who Is Not Eligible? Several types of applicants and activities are excluded from the programme.

Ineligible applicants include:

- Community groups that are not involved in the creative industries as their core business. - Non-professional artists. - Educational institutions. - Religious institutions. - Applicants with outstanding debts to Council. - Applicants with outstanding grant acquittals. Applicants should resolve any outstanding financial or acquittal obligations before applying. What Projects Are Not Eligible? The programme does not support projects that fall outside its focus on new, professionally delivered artistic work.

Ineligible projects include:

- Repeated projects. - Ongoing projects. - Projects that have already been completed. - Projects that do not pay artists industry standard rates. - Training activities. - Education programmes. - Conferences. - General fundraising. - Large capital expenditure. - Interstate travel. - Overseas travel. - Projects that duplicate existing activities. Applicants should ensure that their proposed activity represents a distinct artistic project and provides a clear benefit to the Mount Barker District. Public Engagement and Local Benefit Projects must include public engagement and demonstrate a clear connection to the Mount Barker District. Applicants should explain how their project will benefit both the artist and the wider district. The programme particularly values projects that contribute to local cultural activity, tourism, community vibrancy, heritage, and connections between people. How Are Applications Assessed? Applications are assessed by the Community Funding Assessment Committee, which includes Council members and independent arts assessors. Applications are assessed against criteria including: - Artistic merit. - Benefits to the artist. - Benefits to the Mount Barker District. - Capacity to successfully deliver the project. - Alignment with Council’s strategic plans. The assessment also considers broader strategic goals relating to: - Community connectedness. - Facilities. - Heritage. - Tourism. - Vibrancy. - Inclusive decision-making. Alignment With Council Priorities Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project supports the strategic priorities of the Mount Barker District Council. A strong application should clearly explain the artistic quality of the project as well as its contribution to the district. Projects that connect artistic practice with community engagement, tourism, heritage, cultural vibrancy, or other relevant Council priorities can demonstrate their broader local value. Key Facts About the Mount Barker Art