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.

Flourish Arts Grants 

Flourish Arts Grants Application are now open!

Arts Merri-bek is inviting artists and arts organisation to apply for funding for projects in 2024. Flourish Arts Grants provide up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for arts organisations.

Download Flourish Arts Grant Guidelines (PDF 545KB)

Apply online via Smarty Grants: Flourish Arts Grant Application

Applications must be received by 11.59pm on Wednesday 27 September 2023. Late applications will not be considered.

Further information can be found on our Arts Grants page.

An Information Session will be held online, 5pm Tuesday 29 August 2023. If you are interested in attending this session please register your attendance via Eventbrite.

Any application enquiries or questions can be emailed to artsgrants@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or phone our Arts Officer on 03 9240 2486.

Merri-bek Arts and Culture Strategy

We are preparing our next Arts and Culture Strategy, which will inform arts, culture and creative practices in Merri-bek over the next 5 years.

We want to know what you think of our major events, galleries, public art, and grant programs. We also want to hear your ideas on how we can better support our diverse artists and creatives across Merri-bek.

The strategy will help us:
• Strengthen our creative sector
• Be known as a creative hub
• Be a fantastic place to create and work in the arts
• Support our artists and cultural industries facing challenges

To receive updates about the project and get a notification when the draft strategy is available for comment, visit the Conversations Merri-bek Arts and Culture Strategy website and hit the +FOLLOW button. 

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.

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