2027 Annual Arts Grants

This is a preview of the 2027 Annual Arts Grants - application form form. You will be able to start a submission when the round opens at 9:00AM 1 April 2026 (AEDT)
 

Introduction and Eligibility

* indicates a required field.

Introduction

The Annual Arts Grants program supports artists to deliver impactful creative outcomes in our city. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for one-off arts projects that result in a public outcome within City of Melbourne municipality from 1 January 2027 and 31 December 2027. 

  • The City of Melbourne's local government boundary incorporates Docklands, East Melbourne, Fishermans Bend, Jolimont, Kensington, North Melbourne, Melbourne’s central business district, Parkville, South Wharf, West Melbourne and only parts of Carlton, Carlton North, Flemington, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and Southbank.

    If you are unsure about the City of Melbourne suburb boundary, go to our interactive maps at http://maps.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

Applicants are advised to read the 2027 program guidelines on our website carefully before proceeding with an application. Changes have been made to the 2027 Annual Arts Grant program. Most notably:

  • the program no longer supports projects with a public presentation online; and
  • the arts residency category has been removed from the program.

If you would like to talk to someone about your application, contact us on 03 9658 9658 or email artsgrants@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Eligibility

In submitting this application, you agree to have complied with the following:

Applicants must:

  • be an artist or small to medium arts organisation
  • submit only one application
  • complete the proposed project between 1 January 2027 and 31 December 2027
  • present the project to the public at a venue or outdoor space located within the City of Melbourne local council boundary
  • comply with additional grant eligibility and terms and conditions 

The program does not support:  

  • projects currently supported by another City of Melbourne funding program 
  • multiple applicants submitting for the same project 
  • activities that have already commenced or occurred 
  • organisations funded through our Multi-year grant program 
  • projects that are curated and presented by other Council programs including Arts House, ArtPlay, Signal and Yirramboi commissions 
  • professional development including attendance or speaking at conferences 
  • podcasts and online projects 
  • permanent works in outdoor spaces 
  • feature length and short narrative films 
  • commercially focused projects where the priority is making work to sell at retail 
  • ongoing classes and workshops 
  • courses, education programs or activities that are required for an accredited course of study 
  • activities that have a primary focus on fundraising 
  • competitions, prizes or awards 
  • political lobbying or advocacy activities 

The program does not support an applicant that: 

  • is a Commonwealth or State Government department 
  • is a political party or the primary purpose of the project is considered to be political 
  • has failed to provide satisfactory acquittal reporting or conditions of previous grants
  • has outstanding debt to Council  
  • is insolvent  
  • is in legal conflict with Council  
  • is an employee or elected member of Council, or their immediate family, however this does not include an application from an organisation that an employee, elected member or their immediate family member may be part of 
  • has conducted, themselves in a way that the City of Melbourne considers to be injurious or prejudicial to the character or interests of the City of Melbourne 
  • requests a grant for reimbursement of funds already spent 
  • requests funds for debt reduction or operational deficits 
  • the City of Melbourne considers having denigrated or excluded parts of the community or that has an adverse effect on public health, safety, the environment or heritage 
Do you comply with the above eligibility? * Required
Response required.
Clear the selected value for Do you comply with the above eligibility?

Project presentation venue/location (Not Applicable)

This section is not applicable because of your response to question: "Do you comply with the above eligibility?" on page 1

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Address Line 1, Suburb/Town, State/Province, and Postcode are required. Country must be Australia 

This section is not applicable because of your response to question: "Do you comply with the above eligibility?" on page 1

Does the above local government area box show 'Melbourne City' ? * Required
Response required.
Clear the selected value for Does the above local government area box show 'Melbourne City' ?

This section is not applicable because of your response to question: "Does the above local government area box show 'Melbourne City' ?" on page 1

Attach a tentative booking quote or evidence of communication with the venue manager about using the space for your project presentation. * Required
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    Talk with the venue manger or City of Melbourne staff (for outdoor spaces) to understand the availability and costs for using the space. This is important to the viability of your application.