Dance and theatre artists are set to walk the boards with $114,000 in arts grants after Melbourne City Council approved their applications to stage performance pieces in the Arts House at North Melbourne Town Hall.

The City of Melbourne’s funding is part of the arts grants program’s ‘Arts House presentation’ category and will go towards four different groups, with a total of 25 artists performing creative pieces later in the year.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the arts sector played a significant role in Melbourne by bringing cultural artistic benefits to the city.

“Our arts programs aim to nurture the city's creative industries and get Melburnians to engage and participate with the arts. This is why we are continually referred to as the arts capital of Australia,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Council is committed to creating an innovative and vibrant city with its arts grants program. With the Arts House presentation category we can specifically support contemporary artists and groups to produce works for presentation at the Arts House.”

Successful applicants in the ‘Arts House presentation’ category include Carlee Mellow for her dance presentation, Prologue which looks at the intrinsic contradictions between individuals and society. Carlee will receive $30,000 towards developing the performance with five other artists.

Performance artist Jenny Kemp will also receive a $27,246 grant to stage the work Madeleine. Working with eight artists in a contempary piece which gives focus to the human psyche, Jenny will explore the ability to survive and function creatively in the 21st century.

Other recipients of the September 2009 round of grants include Ross & Ingrid Ganf, Wisfelt & Vincent Crowly for their production Malmo, and Stone & Castro for Superheroes.

Future Melbourne (People and Creative City) Committee Chair, Councillor Jennifer Kanis, praised Melbourne’s innovation and creativity in live performance.

“Through our arts grants and in particular the Arts House presentation category we directly provide financial assistance so artists can showcase their creativity and deliver their performance,” Cr Kanis said.

“Each year The Arts House presents a curated program of contemporary art featuring performances, exhibitions, live art, and cultural events. It also operates as as a multi-dimensional resource hub for artists.”

For further information on the next round of Arts Grants please visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au.