Grants available to support community projects

Published on 15 February 2020

A documentary exploring friendships forged through three decades of water aerobics is just one of many local projects supported through the City of Hobart’s grants program.

The first round of grants for 2020 is now open. Community, creative and event grants are available, with the amounts on offer ranging from $1000 up to $20 000.

“The grants program is an investment in Hobart and the benefits to us all are many and varied,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

“We’re privileged to receive an exciting and diverse range of applications each year but we’re keen to see more applications from first-timers. The process is not as onerous as you may expect and our Grants Officer is happy to help as needed.

“This grants program further enhances Hobart’s standing as a creative city and one that fosters a broad range of events and activities for all members of our community.”

Each year, City of Hobart invests more than $1 million in projects that demonstrate community benefit in the Hobart area.

In 2019, the City of Hobart Grants Program funded more than 200 projects designed to involve, engage and benefit the Hobart community.

Local filmmaker Rebecca Thomson was pleased to be awarded a grant to make a short documentary entitled An Aquatic Community. The project focuses on the friendships between Hobart seniors who have been attending a water aerobics class together for more than 30 years.

“It’s fantastic that the City funds so many small projects like mine, that might not otherwise be supported,” Ms Thomson said.

She had the idea for An Aquatic Community while participating in a water aerobics class.

“I’ve literally been moved to tears hearing about the connections that have formed amongst the group,” she said. “As a filmmaker, I’m interested in hidden stories in the community. What might seem like a mundane situation can actually be quite profound.”

Another grant awarded in the September 2019 round supported Pets in the Park, which aims to improve the lives of homeless people by caring for their pets’ veterinary needs.

The dance company DRILL also received a grant for its 2020 programs. Initiatives include pairing young dancers from diverse backgrounds with professional choreographers to develop new works.

All the grants awarded in 2019 can be viewed here.

The grants available in the current round are:

Creative Hobart Grants:

Community Grants:

Event Grants

Applications are open until Monday 16 March 2020. Quick Response Grants are available year-round and offer support of up to $1000 for community and cultural activities or the hire of City services and venues.

For grant guidelines and online application forms, visit hobartcity.com.au/grants.