A creative call out has been issued by the Mount Gambier City Council in a bid to contribute to a vibrant and culturally diverse community.

Council’s 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 inspiring, creative and contemporary projects.

The fund aims to activate public spaces to encourage creative and social interaction, create a vibrant street culture and develop stimulating spaces that attract visitors and create a sense of community attachment.

Council’s arts and cultural development officer Serena Wong said, unlike previous years, artists were invited to submit a draft proposal, which the selection panel would shortlist.

“This year we are leaving the door wide open for our artists to propose how they want to use this money,” she said.

“Following the shortlist process, artists will then work with me to fine tune their project.

“Working with artists, watching their ideas develop and be realised is really such a privilege and I’m excited to see what this freedom will mean for the type and scope of proposals we receive.”

Projects must align with the council’s community plan, culture and heritage plan and public art strategy with applications assessed against the priorities detailed in the program guidelines.

“Projects may focus on, but are not limited to, performing and visual arts, literature, film, design, multimedia, history and heritage,” Ms Wong said.

Previous recipients Pariya Ziakas and Ruth Stephenson completed their mural in Ripley Arcade earlier this year celebrating the vibrant dance culture in Mount Gambier.

“I love public art and I think it is the way the soul of city is brought out and reflected for anyone coming in so to see how public art is being embraced in Mount Gambier is absolutely terrific,” Ms Stephenson said.

Visit mountgambier.sa.gov.au/creativeartsfund to find the guidelines and application form for the creative arts fund.