Cultural grants promoting diversity through the arts

A range of creative arts projects will be rolled out over the next 12 months after sharing in a total of $23,294 allocated under Council’s Arts and Cultural Grants Program for 2021-22.

Funding is offered annually to groups and artists whose project or program can contribute to an increase in community participation in arts and cultural activities, and which strengthens the identity and profile of the arts in Maroondah.

Councillor Suzy Stojanovic, one of Council’s representatives on the Maroondah Arts Advisory Committee, said it had once again received applications for projects of a high standard.

“Council has approved six projects from across the municipality that will benefit from funding,” Cr Stojanovic said.

“The Arts and Cultural Grants support a diverse and culturally rich Maroondah through community-driven projects, initiatives and events that increase the profile of and participation in the arts, and we are delighted with the range of projects submitted by the applicants in this round of funding,” she said.

Among this year’s successful initiatives is ‘What I Wish I’d Told You’ by artists Chelle Destefano and Claire Bridge - an exhibition and public program of stories told through Australian sign language Auslan and promoting social inclusion; and ‘PORTAL’ by YourDNA Creative Arts - a spectacle performance piece which will amplify lesser-heard voices of Maroondah to the broader community using sensory and aerial engineering.

Also, 3D Arts Company will work with young people in Maroondah to create a public performance for a Bringing Back Theatre festival, allowing young actors to again experience the value of live theatre in the community.

“I would like to congratulate all of the groups who were successful in securing funding. These range from public art initiatives in our arts precinct to activities that focus on building understanding and awareness of culturally diverse and isolated groups,” Cr Stojanovic said.

“The involvement of highly skilled artists and cultural leaders in these projects is key to their success. We wish all of the recipients the very best with their upcoming projects and look forward to the impact that this will have across Maroondah,” she said.

The Arts and Cultural Grants Program is a category of Council’s Community Grants Funding Program and enables not-for-profit groups and organisations to deliver arts and cultural activities that reflect the diversity of the Maroondah community.

View the full list of