The City of Mount Gambier Creative Arts Fund is now open for applications with a total of $50,000 available to local artists, not-for-profit organisations and community groups to support the delivery of creative public art projects within the Blue Lake city.
Council’s Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre acting manager Ben Kilsby said council valued the positive contribution arts and culture make to the community’s social and economic well-being.
“Applications will be assessed on their ability to culturally enrich Mount Gambier, build community and cultural capacity and encourage cultural tourism,” he said.
“We encourage applicants to review and consider Council’s key strategic documents when developing their application, including the CBD Guiding Principles, Public Art Strategy, Mount Gambier Culture and Heritage Plan, and Reconciliation Action Plan.”
Mr Kilsby said applications should be for projects with a minimum total project cost of $3000.
An allocation of $50,000 has been made in council’s 2023/2024 budget for distribution in this annual program.
Projects may focus on but are not limited to, performing and visual arts, literature, film, design, multimedia, history and heritage, festivals, performances, and public celebrations.
Draft submissions will be shortlisted by a panel and shortlisted applicants will work with the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre team to finalise their submission, including any formal paperwork required by council, finalisation of a budget, and any final project details.
Previous recipient Uniting Communities was able to develop and install a public mural on the external wall of their Mount Gambier office on Helen Street with the assistance of the 2022/2023 Creative Arts Fund.
“This project encompassed the true meaning of the word placemaking. Painting the Uniting Communities Mount Gambier mural in real time offered community members the therapeutic elements of art, learning, meditation, and coping strategies through an arts practice,” Mr Kilsby said.
“The ethos behind the mural reflects the vision of Uniting Communities – remaining focused on helping people to see their best selves, supporting people to become their best selves and live their best lives.”
Uniting Communities engaged with artist Guiyong Zhu to work with local community members to develop and paint the mural.
“This mural is designed to inspire a message of self-love, self-acceptance, and hope for the youth and public. It encourages individuals to be proud of who they are, reminding them of their inherent strength and the potential for growth and transformation,” Guiyong Zhu said.
