Events, Festivals, Public Art and Cultural Grants 2024-25

The purpose of this this grant program is to provide support to local not-for-profit organisations, community groups, artists and educational institutions seeking financial support for events, festivals, public arts and cultural projects.

Applicants may apply for up to $3,000 per event, festival, public arts, and cultural project. The City of Holdfast Bay has allocated $20,000 per financial year to the Events, Festivals, Public Arts and Cultural Grants program. Funds will be available until exhausted. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• Open to individuals, organisations and incorporated associations 
• Schools and early learning centres are eligible to apply if the initiative has an identified benefit to the wider community outside of the school environment. 

 Assessment criteria 

• Alignment to City of Holdfast Bay Our Holdfast 2050+ strategic plan 
• Strengthening a sense of community belonging and pride 
• Enhancing community participation 
• Contribute to the vibrancy of the public realm 
• Celebrate creative expression and strengthen community connections 
• Fostering social and cultural diversity  
• Stimulating the local economy and promoting the Holdfast Bay council region as a tourism destination 
• Matched or additional funding towards the project will be looked upon favourably 
• Minimal environmental impact as well as minimal adverse impact on residents 

Eligible expenditure 

Expenditure must be directly related to the proposed activity and may include: 

• Advertising and printing costs 
• Artist and contractor fees 
• Equipment hire  
• Consumables 
• Event registration fees 
• Council fees and charges  
• Insurance. 

Council may at its discretion request quotes or other documentary evidence supporting the amount requested. 

Ineligible projects and expenditure 

•  Activities that have already commenced 
• Groups/organisations/individuals with outstanding acquittals from previous Council grants 
• Activities that will take place outside of the City of Holdfast Bay Council boundary 
• Fundraising or sponsorship 
• Salaries or wages 
• Travel costs 
• Education or conference costs 
• Political activity, proselytising, or lobby groups 
• Ongoing expenses not directly related to the event, festival or public art or cultural activity 
• A purpose were core funding rests with state or federal government 
• Activities already receiving financial support from Council. 

1. Announcement: The City of Holdfast Bay will announce the availability of grants for events, festivals, public arts, and cultural projects through our public facing website and social media platforms.  
2. Application Form: Applicants must complete the designated ‘Smarty Grants’ application form, which will be made accessible via our public facing website and/or available for pick-up at the Jetty Road, Brighton, Civic Centre. 
3. Submission Deadline: Grants will open each financial year and will be available until funds are exhausted. It is expected that grants will be for activities taking place in the financial year of application, however funding for activities that commence in one financial year but are not completed until the following financial year will be considered.  
4. Application Review: A review comprising representatives from relevant departments or stakeholders will assess grant applications based on predetermined criteria, including alignment with the council's strategic objectives, potential community impact, feasibility, and budgetary considerations.  
5. Notification: Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their grant application within a four-week timeframe following the review process. Successful applicants will receive either approval of the grant or in some cases, a grant agreement, outlining the terms and conditions of funding. 
6. Disbursement: Upon acceptance of the grant approval/agreement, funds will be disbursed to successful applicants in accordance with the agreed-upon schedule and payment terms. 

1. Monitoring: Depending on the type of grant, recipients of grants may be required to adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the grant approval/agreement. The City of Holdfast Bay may conduct periodic monitoring to assess the progress and impact of funded projects. 
2. Reporting: If required, grant recipients must submit regular progress reports detailing project milestones, expenditures, and outcomes as specified in the grant agreement. 
3. Acknowledgement: The Council is to be acknowledged as a supporter of the activity on all publicity and promotional activity (where applicable).  
4. Evaluation: Upon project completion, grant recipients are expected to submit a final report summarising the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Evaluation findings will inform future grant allocation decisions. 
5. Acquittal: Projects must be completed, and funding acquitted within 12 months, unless an extension is approved in writing. Any funding that has not been acquitted within the allocated timeframe without prior approval will make that group or organisation ineligible for any future funding in any grant category. 

For enquiries regarding the events, festivals, public arts, and cultural grants program, applicants may contact the City Activation Business Unit within the City of Holdfast Bay for assistance and clarification on (08) 8299 9999 or mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au.

Events: Organised gatherings or activities with a specific purpose, such as concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and performances. 

Festivals: Celebratory gatherings typically centred around a theme or cultural significance, involving various activities and attractions. 

Public Arts:Creative expressions and endeavours encompassing visual arts, such as performing arts, sculptural works, paste ups, multimedia projections or mural artworks.  

Cultural Grants: Exhibitions, performances multimedia projects, multicultural projects or programs and arts initiatives that celebrate and contribute to a vibrant cultural, artistic and multicultural city.