About Arts Merri-bek

Merri-bek boasts an excellent arts offering, including venues for exhibitions and performances, world-class festivals and activities, and the Counihan Gallery.

Merri-bek Arts and Culture Strategy

Our new Arts and Culture Strategy was endorsed by Council in September 2023 and will inform arts, culture and creative practices in Merri-bek until 2030.

You can download the 2023-2030 Arts and Culture Strategy (PDF 8.6 Mb).

You can also read the 2023-2030 Arts and Culture Strategy Summary (PDF 1.3Mb) and the 2023-2025 Arts and Culture Strategy Action Plan (PDF 3.0Mb).

Merri-bek Arts Advisory Committee

The Merri-bek Arts Advisory Committee meets quarterly with the goal of promoting arts and culture in Merri-bek. You can find out more about the committee on our Advisory Committees page.

First Nations Creative Consultation Group

First established in 2022, the First Nations creative consultation group is a group of Merri-bek-based First Nations artists and creatives that works to increase self-determination in Council's arts and cultural programming by advising and assisting Council to create increased opportunities for First Nations artists and communities. The group aims to:

  • Inform the development of arts strategies and programs of Merri-bek City Council
  • Advise on the priorities and needs of First Nations artists and communities and identify opportunities for collaboration and connection
  • Encourage community involvement in Merri-bek's arts and cultural programs and opportunities
  • Provide cultural advice and critical feedback to strengthen the cultural integrity and effectiveness of existing programs and strategies
  • Ensure assessment processes for funding opportunities are culturally grounded, transparent and equitable for First Nations artists and communities
  • Report to and engage with Merri-bek’s First Nations Advisory Committee to ensure alignment with broader Council priorities and community-led advocacy

The group meets quarterly and EOIs for membership are always open. If you would like to join please email arts@merri-bek.vic.gov.au with details of your arts practice and your community and connection to Merri-bek for review by the group.  The group prioritises intersectionality of its membership.

Arts Merri-bek eNewsletter

Sign up to our Arts Merri-bek e-newsletter to find out about upcoming applications and grants, festivals, arts and community events, workshops, professional development, opportunities to participate and other news.

Get the latest from Arts Merri-bek

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To get updates on the Counihan Gallery exhibitions and program, fill in our gallery eNewsletter subscription form.

Arts Merri-bek events

We run a range of events, festivals, and programs throughout the year which you can see on our What's on from Arts Merri-bek page.

If you are involved in planning a community festival or event in Merri-bek, take a look at the useful tips and information on our Planning an event page.

Contact us: arts@merri-bek.vic.gov.au