The program provides grants to upgrade infrastructure, helping creatives develop and present their work in improved, affordable and accessible workspaces.
It will support small-to-medium capital works, digital infrastructure, and equipment purchases and installation to help creatives grow their careers and businesses.
Safe and accessible workplace availability is expected to increase with the program by supporting refurbishing existing spaces, as well as building new fit-for-purpose creative areas.
The efforts are expected to meet industry demand for affordable and appropriate workspaces, an issue amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program has the following streams now open for applications;
- First Peoples stream — open to First Nations entities with grants between $5000 and $150,000;
- Small grants stream — grants from $5000 to $74,999 for projects including minor refurbishments or fitouts to adapt creative spaces; and
- Large grants stream — $75,000 to $150,000 for major infrastructure projects.
The program forms part of the Victorian Government’s Creative State 2025 strategy, designed to support the recovery and growth of the state’s creative industries.
Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the program would help bring creativity and vibrancy to neighbourhoods.
“By increasing the number of suitable creative workspaces, we will not only support local creatives, we’ll also bring added vibrancy to our neighbourhoods,” he said.
“This program is a practical way we can help local creatives and organisations to adapt, fit-out and develop fit-for-purpose spaces that will support their success.”