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.

Council is working collaboratively across our local creative workforce to bring a pipeline initiative rapidly forward called Get Lost to best underpin our region's cultural health.

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

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

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

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 responding to, and emerging from, the sector-wide impacts of COVID-19.

Council’s cultural development e-communications around capacity building are transitioning from Arts eNews (see below) to our new Get Lost platform. To make sure you’re involved in this transition, sign up at getlost.org.au.

Mount Alexander Shire Council’s COVID-19 response package, as part of the 2020-2021 Council Budget, provided a range of initiatives and programs to support the shire’s economy to recover and prosper.

This short-term grant program recognises that our cultural and creative industries have been among the hardest hit by the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions. The program aligns with the vision and strategic objectives in our Council Plan 2017-2021 and directions related to Bendigo’s successful bid for our 2019 UNESCO designation as Australia’s Creative City and Region of Gastronomy.

The Get Lost Activation Grants program will open Monday 25 January and close 11.59pm Monday 15 February.

Get Lost Activation grants target our cultural and creative industries and their affiliated industry partners with grants of up to $3,000 and $5,000 provided to small, independent operators for initiatives that support our creative and innovative economy.

Please note:
• The costs associated with establishing and running events and festivals held in Mount Alexander Shire are to be applied for via the Events Grants program.
• Mount Alexander Shire’s Community Grants program is recommended for cultural or creative projects/activities which primarily seek to achieve social and/or community development outcomes.

It is recommended that you discuss your idea with the Cultural Development Officer about your project idea before submitting an application.

Apply for a Get Lost Activation grant online via: https://mountalexander.smartygrants.com.au

Council will hold two information sessions where you can come along and learn more about Council’s grant programs. COVIDSafe requirements such as social distancing and on-site attendance registration will be in place.

Maldon
What: Grants information session
When: 10.00am to 12.00noon on Friday 29 January
Where: Maldon Community Centre, 6 Francis Street

Castlemaine
What: Grants information session
When: 2.00pm to 4.00pm on Friday 29 January
Where: Ray Bradfield Room, Victory Park

Get Lost Activation Grants Program Guidelines – PDF
Auspice Agreement

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

For a list of projects funded though the 2020 Get Lost Quick grants program are available here.

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. Details regarding successful recipients for the 2020-2021 program are available here.

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