Expression of Interest –
Merri-bek Festivals Development Program 2025
Highlights:
• Supports new performance, live art, or participatory works
• Up to $10,000 funding per project (two projects supported)
• Applications close Monday 9 June 2025 at 11:59 PM Merri-bek
• Merri-bek Festivals Development Program Expression of Interest Guidelines 2025
Key Dates
Applications Close: Monday 9 June 2025 at 11:59 PM
Successful applicants notified: Late June 2025
About the Program
The Merri-bek Festivals Development Program supports artists and producers in the creation of new performance, live art or participatory works, which will premiere at a Merri-bek City Council Presented Festival or Event.
The program will support up to two projects with a financial contribution of up to $10,000 for each project.
Who can apply?
The Merri-bek Festivals Development Program offers an excellent opportunity for artists and producers interested in creating new, engaging, and family-friendly work for the communities of Merri-bek.
The program considers applications from artists or producers who live or work in Merri-bek, or for projects that can clearly demonstrate a connection to Merri-bek. Applications from diverse communities, including First Nations, migrant and refugee, d/Deaf and Disabled, women, and LGBTQIA+ artists are strongly encouraged.
If you have questions or need support to submit in a different format, please contact us.
How to apply
To apply for the Merri-bek Festivals Development Program, interested applicants should read all the information in the Merri-bek Festivals Development Program Expression of Interest Guidelines 2025 before starting your application. If you have any questions, please contact us by phone or email.
Applications close Monday 9 June 2025 at 11:59 PM. Late applications will not be accepted.
Start your application
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Artistic Merit: Is the work innovative, engaging and of high artistic quality?
• Capacity to Deliver: Does the project team have the capacity to deliver the project?
• Community, participation & accessibility: Has careful consideration been taken with regards to the way communities can participate, the audience experience and access issues?
Protocols
If your project involves the use of culturally significant content (for example, from First Nations, Nepalese, or other cultural communities). We may contact you to provide additional documentation demonstrating community consultation, permissions, or cultural authority relating to the use of that material.
Projects may be considered for presentation across any of our annual programs in 2025 and 2026, with a preference for outcomes at Fawkner Festa and Glenroy Festival.
Budget
Your project budget should cover research and development costs, artist and creative fees, and expenses for costumes, props, technical equipment, and other materials; and preliminary marketing material. Presentation costs must also be included to assess the viability of your project.
Enquiries
Enquiries should be directed to Fred Chuang, Festivals Officer via email festivals@merri-bek.vic.gov.au.
Image credit: Simon Fazio
For more information click here
