Partnerships & Grants

Strengthening communities through art, connection and collaboration

Art Connecting Communities works with councils, community organisations, cultural institutions, universities, libraries, women’s organisations, sporting clubs and other community-focused organisations, bringing creative experiences into their everyday activities. This collaboration responds to local needs, strengthens connection and participation, and creates opportunities for people to engage through contemporary art. 

Art Connecting Communities brings creative expertise, program development and artist-led facilitation. We work closely with each partner to understand their community, objectives and environment, then design and deliver a tailored art program. 

Depending on the project, partners may support the collaboration through access to their community, venue, promotion, local knowledge, in-kind support or funding.

Our Partnership Model

We are open to partnerships with:

Local Councils

Developing place-based programs such as Locals & Stories and accessing community, arts and cultural funding.

Community & Local Residents’ Organisations

Connecting programs with local residents and communities who may benefit from greater social engagement and creative participation.

Women’s Organisations

Delivering Women Together to support connection, creativity and wellbeing among women.

Universities & Libraries

Developing programs focused on identity, belonging, cultural exchange, creative thinking and strategic decision-making.

Sporting & Golf Clubs

Using established communities as a foundation for creative connection beyond competition, as demonstrated through Drive to Fine Art.

Arts & Cultural Organisations

Holding exhibitions, delivering community projects, artist-led programs and collaborative creative initiatives.

Current Partnerships

The Albert Park Women’s Golf Club

Art Connecting Communities is partnering with Albert Park Women’s Golf Club to deliver Drive to Fine Art — a new program bringing club members together through drawing, painting, collage and other creative practices.

Art Connecting Communities has applied for City of Port Phillip 2026/27 Community Strengthening Grant funding to support this program.

The project demonstrates how an established sporting community can be strengthened through a shared creative experience beyond its usual golfing activities.

The Russian House in Melbourne

Art Connecting Communities partners with the Russian House to deliver artist-led creative workshops as part of celebrations and community programs within its social calendar. Suitable for a wide range of participants, from young children to adults, the workshops introduce accessible and engaging creative practices that encourage learning, cultural exchange and connection.

Each workshop is adapted to the theme, audience and format of the event — for example, exploring the Russian Doll — creating an opportunity for families and community members to come together through making.

ArtLight Artists Charity

Art Connecting Communities partners with ArtLight Artists, a charity supporting emerging artists and creating opportunities for artists to exhibit and connect with collectors and galleries. Through this partnership, we contribute to exhibitions that give emerging artists greater visibility and opportunities to present their work.

Upcoming exhibitions at Montsalvat and in Box Hill in October and November 2026 will bring artists and audiences together, supporting creative participation and strengthening connections within Melbourne’s arts community.

Grant Opportunities

Our funding pathways include:

City of Port Phillip

Community Grants and the Cultural Development Fund are relevant to Art Connecting Communities projects delivered in Port Phillip, including community-strengthening and cultural projects.

Creative Victoria

Creative Victoria funding can support professional creative projects, collaborations and partnerships across Victoria.

Creative Australia

Arts Projects provides a potential national funding pathway for larger community-based artistic projects, collaborations and exhibitions.

Other Council & Community Grants

As Art Connecting Communities expands, we explore funding opportunities through Melbourne councils, philanthropic organisations and community foundations that align with specific programs and goals.

What We Bring

Art Connecting Communities brings:

• professionally developed contemporary art programs;
• experienced artist-led facilitation;
• creative activities accessible to people without previous art experience;
• community-strengthening project development;
• opportunities for exhibitions and public presentation;
• a flexible model that can be adapted to different aims, community groups and environments.

Partner With Us

Do you have a community, venue, audience or funding opportunity that could become a creative project? Share your idea and result in a unique program with us →

Let’s develop a project with a creative spark that brings people together!