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 9Mb)

You can also read the 2023-2030 Arts and Culture Strategy Summary (PDF 1Mb) and the 2025-2026 Arts and Culture Strategy Action Plan (PDF 850Kb).

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.

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