Supporting our arts

The nation’s arts, culture and creative industries are acknowledged by the ABS as among the most heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

As an internationally recognised regional centre of excellence, Mount Alexander Shire Council understands the importance of supporting the social and economic health of our arts, culture and creative community through the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

Council has been working collaboratively across our local creative workforce to bring a pipeline initiative rapidly forward called - "Get Lost" - to best underpin our region's hard-hit arts, culture and creative industries.

Council continues to take advice on public health matters from the state and federal health departments. Visit our dedicated page for local updates here.

We have a dedicated helpline to support local businesses and the community during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To access the service call the toll free number 1800 512 446 between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Monday to Friday) or email the support team on covid19@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, please refer to the Department of Health and Human Services.

It’s also worth checking in with targeted Covid-19 information and resources, available at:

• Creative Victoria
• Music Victoria
• Australia Council for the Arts

Register with Mount Alexander Grant Connect to access up to date grants information across the board – look out for the ‘quick list’ link to Covid-19 related funding underneath the search tool.

And do please reach out to the following services if you’re not feeling okay:

Arts Wellbeing Collective 1800 959 500

Support Act General: 1300 731 303 Wellbeing Helpline: 1800 959 500

Lifeline 13 11 14

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Council is working collaboratively with its creative community to support our collective efforts in helping each other respond to, and emerge from, the sector-wide impacts of COVID-19. Council’s cultural development e-communications are transitioning from the Arts eNews EDM (see below) to our new Get Lost platform. To make sure you’re involved in this transition, join up at www.getlost.org.au.

Our creative community is also now able to apply for Get Lost Quick grants via the new Get Lost site.
These rapid response grants are closing midnight, June 28, 2020.

To apply - refer to the Get Lost Quick Grants Program Guidelines.
• Get Lost Quick Grants Program Guidelines – PDF
• Auspice agreement

For more information about the Get Lost Quick Grants Program contact the Cultural Development Officer on 03 5471 1700 or email arts@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

This communications channel focuses on capacity building opportunities such as grants and professional development workshops targeting our local arts, culture and creative industries.

Subscribe to the Arts e-news or visit the archive to read the latest edition.

The Cultural Development Officer role leads and supports the development of policy, strategies and recommendations in line with the Victorian Government’s Creative State strategy and the 2017-2021 Council Plan, to assist Council in making decisions about the provision of quality arts and cultural facilities and programs within the shire.

Mount Alexander Shire’s Cultural Development Officer, Vicki Anderson is based at the Civic Centre, Castlemaine, and can be contacted on (03) 5471 1700 or via email arts@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

The Phee AT HOME program invites local artists, performers and creative organisations to explore fresh creative concepts by giving successful residents the necessary ingredients for crafting and testing a new creative work within the supportive environment of their local community.

Applications for the 2020-2021 At Home residency program are closed. Successful recipients will be announced soon.

The Phee Broadway Theatre website is available at www.pheebroadwaytheatre.com.au.

Each year Mount Alexander Shire Council allocates funding to support a range of local community-based projects and initiatives through our Community Grants and Events Grants Programs.

There are a number of community venues in the Mount Alexander Shire that are available for hire to the community. These venues include the Phee Broadway Theatre, the historic Market Building along with a number of halls and garden rooms within the shire.

Learn more about Council managed venues available for hire.

Council provides direct funding support to organisations including:

Castlemaine Art Museum
Buda Historic Home
Castlemaine State Festival