The City of Whittlesea is among 40 recipients across the state to share in the latest round of the Andrews Labor Government’s VicArts grants to boost Victorian creativity.

Mill Park creativity has received a boost with local artists sharing in the latest round of the Andrews Labor Government’s VicArts Grants which total more than $1.2 million.

Member for Mill Park, Lily D’ Ambrosio today said the VicArts Grants, through Creative Victoria’s program, are part of the Labor Government’s ongoing work to strengthen the state’s $31 billion creative economy and support jobs in the creative sector.

City of Whittlesea will receive a $60,000 Grant for the creative development and presentation of Bukjeh, a multi-artform exhibition and theatre work by artist Aseel Tayah based on the stories of refugees. The project will be developed in collaboration with the local community, culminating in seven performances at various venues.

The latest round of grants will support a diverse group of Victorian artists – from writers and choreographers, to theatre makers and classical musicians – as well as projects that encourage community members of all ages to explore their creative talents.

The VicArts Grants program offers one-off grants of $5,000 to $20,000 to individual artists for solo creative projects, and funding of up to $60,000 to enable small arts and community organisations to deliver large-scale projects and programs.

The next round of applications to the VicArts Grants program will close on 30 January 2020 for projects commencing in June.

Find out more about the VicArts Grants program at www.creative.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’ Ambrosio

“The creative industries generate $31 billion for Victoria’s economy each year, provide jobs for more than 289,000 Victorians, and make our communities great places to live and visit.” 

“The Andrews Labor Government is proud to back our creative sector, to support creative career development and to enable our artists to bring their creative ideas to life.”

“Congratulations to the City of Whittlesea and Aseel Tayah and her team for being recognised among some of our state’s most exciting artists and creative companies.”