Exciting news for the creative inhabitants of 'ole Melbourne town: The City of Melbourne's ArtPlay and Signal Arts Grants for 2011 are now open.

Seeking to encourage new ideas and increase arts activities in the city centre, The City of Melbourne's arts initiatives offer young artists the resources they need, as well as a supportive professional environment, to reach their full potential. In turn, their art contributes to what is already one of the most vibrant cultural meccas in Australia.

ArtPlay is a civic studio where families and children can be creative and express themselves in an open and supportive environment.

At ArtPlay, children up to the age of 13 and their families are encouraged to learn the language of art together. From here, they can move on to galleries, performances and Melbourne’s other art offerings with confidence and curiosity.

Melbourne’s celebrated culture of innovation, inventiveness and communication are reflected in the openness, playfulness and inquisitive nature of creativity.

ArtPlay's mission is to involve children and their families in artistic, interactive and creative projects. Through workshops with professional artists, ArtPlay aims to improve educational and arts opportunities for children.

Signal is Melbourne’s first arts studio dedicated to people aged 13 to 20 interested in a wide range of art forms.

Signal provides opportunities to work with professional artists across all art forms. It is a place for making, showing, inspiring and developing Melbourne’s new creative talents – in every medium.

The Signal team provide first steps, next steps and launching platforms for all who come in to contact with the centre. Right in the heart of the city (nestled behind Flinders Street Station), Signal offers space for workshops, live events, performances and gallery exhibitions, along with multimedia facilities and a sound walk specifically designed for sound based artworks.

Some smart cultural scientist guys predict Melbourne will outgrow Sydney to become Australia's biggest city over the next few years. This is your chance to leave your artistic mark on this burgeoning metropolis. To download the guidelines and fact sheets please follow these links:

ArtPlay // Signal

Please note that the deadline is June 24th and that to be eligible you must make an appointment with ArtPlay staff by 28th May.

To find out more about either program, visit their websites: Signal // ArtPlay