New grants to provide spaces for regional creatives to thrive

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting creatives and businesses to deliver more affordable and accessible workspaces, developing a stronger and more sustainable creative sector.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas has invited local creatives to apply for the Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program, which will provide grants for infrastructure upgrades that enable creatives to develop and present their work in improved, affordable and accessible workspaces.

Supporting creatives to grow their careers and businesses, the program supports small to medium capital works, digital infrastructure upgrades as well as equipment purchases and installation.

Availability of safe and accessible workplaces will be increased with the program supporting refurbishment and renovation of existing spaces, in addition to support for the creation of new fit- for-purpose creative spaces.

It will help meet industry demand for appropriate and affordable workspaces, an issue that has been amplified by the impacts of the pandemic.

Now open for applications, the program has three streams:

First Peoples stream, for First Peoples creative entities with grants available from $5,000 to $150,000.

Small grants stream, with grants available from $5,000 to $74,999 for projects such as minor refurbishments or fit-outs to adapt spaces for creative use.

Large grants stream, with grants available from $75,000 to $150,000 for more significant infrastructure projects.

The program is part of Creative State 2025 – the Labor Government strategy to support the recovery and growth of Victoria’s creative industries.

Applications for the Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program close on Thursday, 2 June 2022.

For more information and eligibility requirements, visit the Creative Victoria website at creative.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"This program is a practical way we can help local creatives and organisations to adapt, fit-out and develop fit-for-purpose spaces that will support their success."

"By increasing the number of suitable creative workspaces in Macedon, we will not only support local creatives, we’ll also bring added vibrancy to our neighbourhoods."