2025 Quick Response Arts Grants

Applicants are advised to read the program guidelines thoroughly before proceeding with an application.

Quick response arts grants support artists of all abilities, career stages and across all art practices in providing quick access to funds for the development and presentation of work. 

Grants of $5,000 are available to support

• the creation and presentation of projects to the public, or
• for a period of creative development only (no public presentation). 

If you need an accessible application format, please get in touch.

• Applicants who are d/Deaf, disabled, neurodiverse or chronically ill can contact Will Box for application support on 0481 099 439 or email will.box@melbourne.vic.gov.au
• Aboriginal artists and artists from multicultural communities can contact Laura Johnston for application support on 0411 776 324 or email laura.johnston@melbourne.vic.gov.au 

Have you checked that you meet the City of Melbourne boundary eligibility for a public presentation or creative development?

• 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 parts of Carlton, Carlton North, Flemington, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and Southbank.
• If you are unsure about the Melbourne Council suburb boundary, go to our interactive maps at http://maps.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

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

• I am an artist or small to medium arts organisation.
• I have read and understood the 2025 Quick Response Arts Grants guidelines and my proposal complies with the application requirements, conditions and eligibility.
• I have viewed and understood the City of Melbourne municipal boundary requirements.
• Only one application may be submitted.
• I understand that the proposed activity must occur between 17 April and 30 November 2025.
• 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.
• I/my organisation have no overdue acquittals or debts to the City of Melbourne.
• I understand that I must contact City of Melbourne staff prior to submitting an application if my proposed activity occurs in a public outdoor space.
• I/my organisation or the activities proposed in this application will not denigrate, exclude or offend parts of the community or breach Commonwealth and State anti-vilification laws.