This category supports individual artists, groups of artists and arts companies to undertake residencies in partnership with a community host.
The residencies are expected to provide Victorian communities with opportunities to participate in the creative process and engage with diverse cultural experiences. The creation of new work is not a requirement.
The structure of a residency is flexible. It could be part-time or full-time and could be based in a single location or a number of locations.
This category has some capacity to support multi-year projects.
Eligibility
Applications are accepted from individuals, organisations and local government. The partnership can be initiated by either party, but must be confirmed in writing.
The proposal must involve:
Funding sought from Arts Victoria must be directed towards costs associated with the project, such as artist fees, materials, development, administration, construction or production.
The following activities are not funded through the Community Partnerships program:
- Projects seeking funding for recurrent administrative, infrastructure or other core organisational costs.
- Projects that have already commenced or will begin prior to the notification date of the outcome of your application.
- Projects that don't involve professional artists.
- Projects or activities that would be more appropriately supported through other Arts Victoria funding programs.
- Projects submitted by applicants who have failed to acquit previous funding from Arts Victoria in accordance with prescribed funding conditions.
Examples of residencies
- A dance company undertaking a residency with a local festival and presenting community workshops, master classes for local dance teacher and artists, open rehearsal sessions, presentation of a professional work and the creation of a community-based work.
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- An artist partnering with a local council to develop existing and new networks of interested community members to deliver a range of activities that will build creative capacity in the local community.
It is recommended that you carefully read Information for All Applicants for details about tax requirements, auspiced applications and more.
Closing Dates
- 14 August 2009 for projects commencing at least 15 weeks after applications close.
- 1 March 2010 for projects commencing at least 15 weeks after applications close.
It takes approximately 15 weeks from the closing date until funding results are available.
Funds Available
Levels of funding are not capped. However, as a guide, grants generally range from $15,000 to $75,000.
In the 2008-2009 financial year 20 applications were received and 9 (45%) were funded. The total funds awarded was $267,887 and individual grants ranged from just over $16,000 to $58,000.
To apply for funding you must:
- Complete the application form which includes a budget. Download the forms and full guidelines as a:
- Submit a written proposal (see below)
- Provide artistic support material relevant to your project (eg DVD, video, photos, CD)
It is strongly recommended that you discuss your proposal with the program manager before submitting an application.
Applicants seeking multi-year support must:
- Contact the program manager before submitting an application
- Provide a business plan covering the period of the project, including artistic, operational, financial, marketing, governance and risk management information.
Written Proposal
This is the main part of your application. It is important that you:
- Explain how the proposal will meet the stated aims, objectives and evaluation assessment criteria for the Community Partnerships program. It is recommended that your application addresses each of the evaluation criteria under a separate heading.
- Provide a full account of what you propose to do and how it will be achieved, including a detailed description of the artistic project or activity that will take place during the project.
- Include CVs of performers, artists, curatorial or other key creative personnel involved in the project.
The proposal should be typed on a maximum of six A4 pages.
Applications are competitively assessed and prioritised according to the following criteria:
- Artistic Merit - based on a clearly articulated artistic concept and creative process, the capability and suitability of the artist/s and a project that demonstrates best practice in the contemporary community-based arts field.
- Community - based on a strong process for genuinely engaging the community, including consultation, demonstrated community support and significant opportunities for community participation. This should include details on how the target community will gain access to the project.
- Management Plan - the project management plan and budget are achievable and structured appropriately to the scale and complexity of the project. A timeline and suitable measures to ensure management of the proposed relationship between the artist/s and the community should be included along with details of how you intend to evaluate your project.
- Outcomes and Benefits - based on the project delivering benefits and value to the artist/s, participants and wider community.
Applications go through a standard assessment process. This includes review and evaluation by a peer assessment panel.
The current panel members are:
- Lucy Evans (Chair) - Manager, producer and arts advocate
- John Favaro - Musician and community development worker
- Rebecca Hilton - Dancer and choreographer
- Catherine Larkins - Sculptor and visual designer
- Christos Linou - Dancer, choreographer, filmmaker and artistic director
- Gayle Maddigan - Visual artist and curator Indigenous Arts Projects
- Tamsin Sharp - Media artist and filmmaker
- Esther Singer - Networker and community development worker
- Nikki Zerella - Access coordinator
As a recipient of Arts Victoria funding, you are required to:
- Notify Arts Victoria of any changes to your proposed project
- Publicly acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government using specific logos and text
- Acquit your grant by completing a written report on the outcomes of your funded project.
Logos and Text Acknowledgement
Logos
The Arts Victoria logo device must be included on all promotional materials produced by the grant recipient in relation to the funded activity.

These may include (but are not restricted to):
- Posters, fliers and brochures
- Advertisements
- Invitations
- Information and education kits
- Signage
- Programs and catalogues
- Websites.
The size and position of the logo should be commensurate with the level of funding provided by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria in relation to other supporters.
The Arts Victoria logo device is available in a variety of formats, please take note of the guidelines for its use.
Text Acknowledgement
The following text/verbal acknowledgement of Victorian Government should be used in any speeches, media releases, interviews and other circumstances where a logo may not be possible:
[This project is] supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria and the Community Support Fund
Logo for Literature Organisations or Projects
In 2008, Melbourne was officially designated a UNESCO City of Literature. All literature projects or organisations receiving Arts Victoria funding should be branded under the initiative by using the UNESCO Melbourne City of Literature logo devlce on all marketing and promotional materials. This should be used in addition to the standard logo and acknowledgements outlined above.

The UNESCO Melbourne City of Literature logo device is available in a variety of formats, please take note of the guidelines for its use.
Acquittal Reports
When your funded activity is completed, you must provide Arts Victoria with an acquittal report within 90 days.
Failure to satisfactorily acquit funding will make you ineligible for future Arts Victoria funding and may result in action to recover the grant.
Download the acquittal form as a:
For further information about the program, or to discuss your proposal, please contact:
Ruth Komesaroff
T: 03 8683 3119
ruth.komesaroff@dpc.vic.gov.au
Chi Vu
T: 03 8683 3112
chi.vu@dpc.vic.gov.au