The 2011 Arts Grants recipients will represent a vast range of projects and activities ranging from visual and performance art through to workshops for young people and publications telling the cultural history of Melbourne.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the 2011 Arts Grants program would enliven the city and nurture the thriving arts community in Melbourne.
"The City of Melbourne's annual Arts Grants Program aims to showcase the quality and diversity of the arts in Melbourne," the Lord Mayor said.
"Investment in the arts is central to the vitality, liveability and growth of our city. The 2011 Arts Grants engage more than 573 artists and half of the activities will be free for the public. These projects will benefit Melbourne's residents, workers and visitors by generating interest, excitement and debate around arts and culture in the city."
Future Melbourne (People and Creative City) Chair, Councillor Jennifer Kanis said more than 230 applications were received and of these, 93 were recommended for funding by Council.
"Council received a huge number of applications and each was assessed by an external panel of arts industry and community representatives," Cr Kanis said.
"The result is an innovative, high-quality line-up of cultural projects for Melburnians to look forward to over the next year."
Some of the 2011 Arts Grants projects include:
- The Streets of Melbourne presents a free three-day outdoor theatre festival featuring a large outdoor circus;
- A mobile guide to Melbourne street art - a virtual exhibition and guide to Melbourne’s street art through a free downloadable iPhone application;
- Them and Us, an exhibition exploring the stories of young Muslim-Australians;
- Art on the Move, an exhibition showcasing emerging and professional artists whose works deal with the themes of the Black Saturday bushfires;
- In My Skin, a collaborative multimedia project involving Indian students;
- Nursery Rhymes with Victorian Opera, a unique introduction to opera giving young children the chance to participate in an exploration of music through nursery rhymes.
The grants were awarded in nine categories: ArtPlay; Arts House; Arts Participation; Arts Projects; Docklands; Indigenous Artists; Signal; Writing about Melbourne; and Young Artists.
For more information on the Grants and Sponsorship program visit the website.