2026 Quick Response Arts Grants

This is a preview of the 2026 Quick Response Arts Grants - application form form. You will be able to start a submission when the round opens at 9:00AM 2 February 2026 (AEDT)
 

Introduction and Eligibility

* indicates a required field.

Introduction

Quick Response Arts Grants support artists of all abilities, career stages and across all art practices, providing quick access to funds for presentation of work. Grants of $5,000 are available to support the creation and presentation of projects to the public at a venue or outdoor space located within City of Melbourne boundary.

  • 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 2026 program guidelines on our website carefully before proceeding with an application. Changes have been made to the 2026 Quick Response Arts Grant program. Most notably, the program no longer supports:

  • creative development projects (without a public presentation), or
  • projects with a public presentation online.

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 Meg Simondson for application support on 0421 056 530 or email megan.simondson@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 20 April and 30 November 2026
  • comply with the City of Melbourne municipal boundary requirements
  • contact the Arts Grants Team if proposing activities in an outdoor space
  • have no overdue acquittals for City of Melbourne grants
  • have no debts to the City of Melbourne

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.
  • Permanent works and murals in outdoor spaces including on private and public buildings.
  • Podcasts and online projects.
  • 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 required for an accredited course of study.
  • Activities that have a primary focus on fundraising.
  • International travel and accommodation or touring. 
  • Capital works, facility maintenance and improvements. 
  • Competitions, prizes or awards.
  • Applications made by political organisations or activities that have a party-political purpose.
  • Government departments or agencies, foundations or grant making bodies, education institutions.
  • Activities owned by the City of Melbourne and applications from Council employees including contractors.
  • Applicants or activities that denigrate, exclude or offend parts of the community or that breach Commonwealth and State anti-vilification laws. 
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

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
Attach a file: Select stored file
    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.