City of Hobart jazzing up its grants program

Published on 05 July 2024

The City of Hobart has opened its funding programs for the upcoming year, offering a range of grants designed to support a huge variety of community initiatives, cultural projects, and sustainability efforts.

Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock said: "Our grants and sponsorships provide vital support to a wide array of community projects and events, enhancing the vibrancy and lifestyle of Hobart.

“We are committed to fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment through these funding opportunities."

One of the recent grant recipients is Hot August Jazz, which is hosting its 20th event next month.

Featuring over 250 musicians, including community bands, school bands, and professional artists, Hot August Jazz received a $10,000 City of Hobart Events Grant.

Hot August Jazz founder and organiser Christine Bailey said: “As Hot August Jazz is a free event, the Hobart Jazz Club does special fund-raising for the festival plus the venues involved all contribute.

“North Hobart Rotary assist financially and with volunteers on the day but the Hobart City Council is our major sponsor and without their support the festival could not go ahead.”

The available grants include:

• Community Grants (up to $5,000): For activities that foster opportunities for access and participation, and address community issues and concerns.
• Community Christmas Carols Grants (up to $15,000 per grant): To support community groups in presenting free Christmas events and activities, from traditional carols to festivals to street parties.
• Creative Hobart Small and Medium Grants (Small - up to $5,000, Medium - up to $15,000): Supporting activities that engage artists and communities in the creation, direction, and management of cultural and arts projects.
• Major Cultural Organisations Grants (over $10,000 per grant): Providing support for ongoing programs and operational funding for not-for-profit cultural organisations located in Hobart, delivering year-round public outcomes.
• Event Grants (up to $20,000): For events that offer community, cultural, economic, and reputational benefits to both the local and wider community.
• Event Partnership Grants (over $20,000 per grant): Supporting major events or festivals with creative, community, and economic outcomes aligned with the City’s Capital City Strategic Plan 2019-2029.
• Sponsorships: Offering support to eligible events, festivals, and activities in return for significant promotional benefits.
• Urban Sustainability Grants (up to $15,000 per grant): Supporting community-led initiatives aimed at developing solutions to climate change and sustainability issues.

Creative City Portfolio Chair John Kelly added, "These grants are instrumental in bringing to life a multitude of projects that reflect Hobart’s creative spirit and dedication to sustainability.

“We are proud to invest over $700,000 into our community through these programs."

Applications close at 3pm on Tuesday, 13 August 2024. Grant applicants are encouraged to contact the grants officer at 03 6238 2132 or via email at grants@hobartcity.com.au

Full information can be found on the City’s website here.

More information on the Hot August Jazz can be found here.