2026 Annual Arts Grants

Applicants are advised to read the 2026 Guidelines carefully before proceeding with an application.

Annual arts grants support artists of all abilities, at all career stages and across all art forms. Grants are available to individual artists and small to medium arts organisations.

Grants of up to $20,000 are available to support the creation and presentation of projects to the public (either online or at a venue/location within the City of Melbourne boundaries). 

You have the option to answer the selection criteria questions via text, video or audio. 

Applicants who are d/Deaf, disabled, neurodiverse or chronically ill can contact Laura Johnston on 0411 776 324 or email laura.johnston@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Aboriginal artists and artists from multicultural communities can contact Bronwyn Roper or email bronwyn.roper@melbourne.vic.gov.au 

IMPORTANT: Please check that your public presentation venue or location is within City of Melbourne boundaries:

• The City of Melbourne's municipal boundary does not include the broader Melbourne metropolitan area.
• Our local government geographic footprint encompasses 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 Melbourne Council suburb boundary, contact us or go to our interactive maps at http://maps.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

About the application form: your responses to each question will determine which further questions you will need to answer.

In submitting my application, I agree to have complied with the following:

• I have read and understood the 2026 Annual Arts Grants guidelines and my proposal complies with the application requirements, conditions and eligibility.
• Only one application may be submitted (for either a project grant or for a residency)
• I have viewed and understood the City of Melbourne municipal boundary requirements. 
• My application will not be accepted if the proposed presentation venue or location is not within the City of Melbourne boundaries.
• I understand that the proposed activity must occur in 2026.
• My application will not be accepted if it is not lodged by the stated close date through SmartyGrants or does not have all the required materials.
• Applications for online presentation must demonstrate a relationship to the City of Melbourne.
• I understand that I must contact City of Melbourne staff if my proposed activity occurs in an outdoor space.
• I/my organisation have no overdue acquittals or debts to the City of Melbourne.
• I/my organisation or the activities proposed in this application do not denigrate, exclude or offend parts of the community or breach Commonwealth and State anti-vilification laws.