Grants empower local voices

Published on 06 February 2023

Community groups, artists and event organisers can now apply for a City of Hobart grant to bring their ideas to life.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the City of Hobart grants program invests in community-driven activities.

“Grants empower our communities to identify needs and improve the social and economic life of Hobart,” Cr Reynolds said.

Recent successful applicants saw funding go to such diverse areas as Friends Of The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Multicultural Council of Tasmania, Cancer Patients Foundation, Hobart City Mission, and Tasmanian National Science Week Coordinating Committee.

Creative City Portfolio Chair Cr John Kelly said Creative Hobart Grants have the power to showcase local projects on the national and even international stage.

One such recipient was a unique collaborative project, ‘There Is No ‘I’ In Island’ which has been screened at film festivals around the world.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, film makers Catherine Pettman and Rebecca Thomson envisaged a project that would connect the stories and creativity of Tasmanians from across the island, all while stuck in lockdown.

The resulting animated documentary web series features the self-recorded voices of locals sharing their fears, hopes and dreams, paired with beautiful imagery and music produced by an award-winning team of Tasmanian visual artists, animators, designers, and composers.

Created with support from a City of Hobart Creative Hobart grant, the project was recently featured in the Australian Government’s new Cultural Policy as an example of the power of the arts to connect and engage local communities.

“It’s a lovely recognition of the importance of the project and the benefits that come from the City of Hobart supporting their local artists through its grant funding programs,” Ms Thomson said.

Cr Kelly said this program was a great example of the positive impact these grants can have.

“When we support our local artists and creative industries, not only do the recipients benefit but we increase our reputation as a cultural hub which in turn attracts visitors to our City,” Cr Kelly said.

Community, Creative Hobart and Event Grants are available during this funding round.

Funding available ranges from $1000 to $20 000 depending on the type of grant.

All grants close at 3 pm on Monday 6 March 2023. The grants program guidelines are available at hobartcity.com.au/grants.