Found Works Program

Found Works is a pilot program that encourages artists from the West to reapproach and rediscover performing arts works that were stopped or delayed due to disruption over the past two years, including the impact of coronavirus. It specifically focuses on supporting artists for whom 2020-2021 was meant to be a formative time in the development of their creative portfolio – for example, their first major work, the first collaboration of a new collective, or a creative outcome that broadened their audience base.

Within Found Works, artists will be empowered to define their project requirements and scope, by presenting a personalised budget and project framework. Artists are encouraged to consider what their lost work of 2020-21 might need when pulling it out of the bottom drawer and placing it back in the spotlight. Creative activities could include table reads, developments, public showings, and other activities that support this work.

Applicants will be asked to define one or more professional development activities that will help them boost their skillset or build capacity. They will also be paired with a mentor of their choice to assist during the lifecycle of this program.

The City of Maribyrnong’s Arts and Culture Strategy 2018-2023 acknowledges that the arts enable individuals and communities to engage on multiple levels, with differing skill sets and experiences, and seeks to actively remove physical, social and other barriers to arts practice and participation. This program seeks to support artists with income, skills advancement, and access to mentorship, while creatively rediscovering a project partially lost or left alone due to the coronavirus or other recent events. It encourages artists to self-define their creative requirements and the fees needed to realise them, while also offering opportunities to enhance skillsets.

About the Program

In 2022 the Found Works Program will offer up to five (5) independent artists, or artist collectives who live, work or study in Melbourne’s western suburbs, or have a significant connection to Maribyrnong, the unique opportunity to:

• Rediscover a work previously lost to COVID, in a project format defined by the artists
• Access professional development and/or skill building during this process, whether related to creative process, disability access, production or technical skills, or otherwise.
• Work with a Mentor of their choosing to build their knowledge, skills and professional networks.

This program is open to any artist (or artist collective) who lives, works, or studies in the West, or has a significant connection to Maribyrnong. It encourages applications from emerging artists, and artists who have otherwise experienced barriers in accessing support and production pathways.  

Please read the Found Works Program Summary and Guidelines for additional information.

Applications for Found Works closed on Sunday 22 May, 2022.

 

To discuss this program, please contact the Arts Engagement Officer, via (03) 9688 0200, or by emailing arts@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au