By Cr Trent Sullivan
Council this week welcomed recipients of our Arts Project grants program to a meet-and-greet at Wurriki Nyal.
There were 19 projects – receiving a total of almost $180,000 in funding – that were supported in our 2023-24 allocation.
In an indication of the variety of arts and cultural activities being explored across the region, we received more than 60 grant applications.
The event allowed everyone to learn more about the individual projects and the artists behind them.
Among the 19 recent grant recipients were several music initiatives – either in studio or on the stage.
These include $9820 to support Isabella Losi to record an EP and shoot a music video; $9700 to help Ocean Grove’s Andrea Robertson pursue Bellarine | On the Rise and $6500 for Geelong Symphony Orchestra to facilitate Classical Music for the Screen.
The event was also a great way to share further information and advice on the range of upcoming grant opportunities.
There is a funding stream now open for Artists and Creatives Professional Development Grants.
These grants support locals to develop their creative skills, business skills and professional practice.
They are receiving applications until the end of May via geelongaustralia.com.au/grants
There is also plenty occurring in our live music space.
We want those in the industry, plus those who help support and sustain it, to provide their ideas on how we can make it better.
The City of Greater Geelong, in conjunction with Live Music Office, is holding a free Live Music Forum on Wednesday March 20.
Held at our civic precinct Wurriki Nyal, the forum is a great chance for the community to provide input into how we develop strategic policy for live music.
We are seeking feedback on what people like about our local live music scene; any opportunities to strengthen the sector; and how musicians and venues can be better supported.
Head to geelong.link/livemusicforum for more information about the Live Music Forum.
The forum is part of Live & Local, which is also delivering professional development workshops and micro-music festivals.
To help keep people up to date with other activities in the live music scene, the City of Greater Geelong has established a Music Industry Register.
It provides musicians with information about live music activities, workshops, grants, networking and professional development opportunities.
The register is also beneficial for live music venues or local business owners.
For more information about music in our region, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/musicgb
