Dandenong Ranges creative professionals with big ideas to transform their practice and build their skills
and careers are invited to apply for the latest round of the Victorian Government’s creative R&D
program, the Creators Fund.

The fund, which aligns with grants in the medical, science and technology fields, supports creative
professionals to undertake the kind of intensive research, development or experimentation that leads
to career defining, ground-breaking creative work.

Daniela De Martino MP, Member for Monbulk today encouraged artists, musicians, designers,
filmmakers, writers and other creative professionals from across the Dandenong Ranges to apply.

Applications are open to Victorian individuals and collectives working in any creative field including
digital games, literature, craft, theatre, music, screen, dance, visual art, fashion and design. Grants of
between $20,000 and $50,000 are available to support activities for up to six months.

Since its launch in 2018, the Creators Fund has supported almost 160 Victorian creatives statewide,
working in all creative fields.

Previous recipients include industrial designer Nyein Aung whose grant supported the design of a new
bed for palliative care use, and screenwriter Alexander Swords who developed a method for narrative
design in games that is now used by developers across the globe.

Writer Maxine Beneba Clarke recently landed a new book deal for a children’s poetry collection she
researched and developed with Creators Fund support.

Creators Fund applications are open to professional creatives at all career stages, including creative
collectives, and there are dedicated streams for First Peoples creatives, and Deaf and Disabled
creatives.

Applications for the 2023 Creators Fund close 3pm Wednesday 22 February, with the Deaf and
Disabled stream closing 3pm Wednesday 1 March 2023. For more information, visit
https://creative.vic.gov.au/funding-opportunities/find-a-funding-opportunity/creators-fund

Quotes attributable to Daniela De Martino, MP, Member for Monbulk

“In any industry, innovation requires dedicated time for research, experimentation and development.
Devoting time to this unpaid but vital work can be a challenge for many independent creatives in the
Dandenong Ranges.”

“The Creators Fund is an important pillar of the Victorian Government’s investment in the creative
industries, backing our creative innovators to break new ground and level up their careers.