Melbourne Fringe’s first wave of grants and commissions has been revealed.
Today, Melbourne Fringe is launching its first round of microgrants in order to bolster Melbourne’s independent arts scene.
There are various grants available across a range of genres and requirements, with successful applicants able to receive up to $10,000.
The ShowSupport grant serves as a “match-making service for art”, partnering indie artists with private donors interested in commissioning original works to be premiered in this year’s festival. The ShowSupport grant will see successful applicants awarded with $2,500 to bring their vision to life.
XS Open will award $10,000 to commission a free experimental work for children up to 12 years old within a public space in the City of Maribyrnong, while Jewel Box Grants will cover the registration fees for Melbourne Fringe as well as providing mentoring, marketing support, advertising, event photography and more for creative people of colour.
Additionally, the Deadly Fringe program, now in its fourth year, will expand to include two new visual arts commissions. The first will be open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander visual artists working in any medium, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography. 3D works or a combination of these.
The second will be open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists working primarily in digital media such as film and video art. Both artists selected for these commissions will receive $2,000 to help cover material costs, gallery hire, an opening event and other support.
Lastly, the Ralph Mclean Microgrants program will offer assistance for artists facing structural disadvantage, such as those from diverse backgrounds, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, artists living with a disability and First Nations artists. Projects covered in this grant can be of any length, discipline, genre and held at any venue, though they must be part of the 2020 Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Successful applicants will be awarded a 25%, 50% or 90% grant and have part of their event registration fee covered.
“We know Fringe artists are full of creative ideas and energy, so we wanted to get our Fringe grants and opportunities out as soon as possible,” said Melbourne Fringe CEO and Creative Director Simon Abrahams.
“Our artistic community is irrepressible, resilient and creative, and now is the time to support them to make and share their art. The first wave in our suite of grants and commissions are all about opportunities for work and money in the pockets of artists. We thank our wonderful donors and partners that help us provide these opportunities.”
For applications, closing dates and more information, visit the Melbourne Fringe website.
