Placemaking Grants

 

Placemaking Grants Web Banner

2024-25 Grants program
Placemaking grants CCMIL Levy area map

Applications for the next round of our Placemaking Grants for the 2024-25 funding cycle has now closed.

The Authority will reach out to selected applicants to discuss their proposals prior to making a full application.

The 2024-25 Placemaking Grants will help shape lively, engaging, and dynamic spaces in the City Centre and Braddon.

Our goal

The Placemaking Grants program is an initiative that aligns with the Authority's 2025 Strategic Plan and the objectives of the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy (CCMIL).

By creating a compelling sense of place, we will attract workers, residents, and visitors to the City Centre and Braddon and contribute to a more connected and dynamic Canberra.

We aspire to improve perceptions of comfort and image, safety, and cleanliness in these places, encouraging economic growth and community development through a people-focused and design-led approach.

Program outcomes

The Authority’s Placemaking Grants is a funding program for eligible organisations, groups, and individuals to support placemaking projects in Canberra’s City Centre and Braddon.

The primary objective of Placemaking Grants is to develop and support the vitality of Civic, Braddon and New Acton through creative and engaging place-making initiatives that strengthen our community’s connection to public spaces and encourage visitation.

The Placemaking Grants program supports projects that foster community engagement and enhance people’s experience with public spaces through various categories.

2024-25 Placemaking Grants Workshop and Information session

Grant categories

Please note: Grants may not be awarded under all categories.

  • Art grants: To enhance the cultural vibrancy of the community within the City Centre and Braddon by supporting the development and promotion of local art initiatives.
  • Event grants: To facilitate the activation of public space by creating engaging and accessible events that contribute to the liveliness and cultural identity of the local community.
  • Marketing grants: To promote and market the City Centre and Braddon as a destination for tourists and visitors to Canberra. Working with the Authority and Visit Canberra to support relevant creators’ content across the Authority’s channels.
  • Place grants: Enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of public spaces within the City Centre and Braddon to encourage increased community use and social connection.
  • Space grants: To activate and enhance the public realm by encouraging the use of ground floor and first floor tenancies in commercial buildings within the City Centre and Braddon with diverse commercial, cultural, or community purposes.

Expressions of interest for the 2024-25 Placemaking Grants have now closed.

The Authority will reach out to selected applicants to discuss their proposals prior to making a full application.

Support for applying

Applying for a grant can be a challenging, and we recognise that there are some applicants who will need extra support.

Accessibility

All webpages, guidelines and documents are available in accessible-friendly format. On request, our public information is also in:

  • large print
  • braille
  • audio
  • TTY
  • Translating and Interpreting Services.

If you need disability or language-specific services to help you apply for any City Renewal Authority program, please contact the Authority at cityrenewal@act.gov.au or call Access Canberra 13 22 81 for assistance.

Both the pitch (expression of interest) and grant application must be submitted through SmartyGrants. We do not accept applications in any other format unless you have requested assistance due to accessibility reasons.

The pitch requires you to respond to brief questions asking applicant details, proposed project, project delivery and activity dates, previous or new concept experience, and an indication of project costs and funding needed.

The full grant application asks more detailed questions related to the themed criteria outlined in the ‘grant application and assessment’ section, and an upload of additional documents (e.g. letters of support).

Timeline

For activities between July 2024 to June 2025.

Please note: These are expected dates and are subject to change.

Pitch window opens

1 February 2024

Pitch workshop

15 February 2024

Pitch window closes

5 March 2024

Notification to apply for grant – limited applicants

April 2024

Grant application window opens

April 2024

Grant application workshop

April 2024

Grant application window closes

May 2024

Notification of decision

July 2024

As part of the Placemaking Grants program 2023-2024, four grants were awarded to bring more people into the City Centre and Braddon and elevate the profile of the Precinct.

  • Urban Pause by Skeehan Pty Ltd will introduce sustainable, work-friendly spaces crafted from reclaimed materials.
  • Haig Park Nature Activation by Egg Picnic will blend art and technology to deepen community engagement with local wildlife.
  • Blank Space by Creative Guild will serve as a dynamic coworking hub by day and an arts platform by night, addressing challenges like high rent and visibility for creatives.
  • Capital Open by Church will be a one-day skating festival with a dynamic range of activities, including contests, workshops, and demonstrations, culminating in an alleyway jam with food, drinks, and live music.

The recipients will be delivering their projects across the City Centre and Braddon between January 2023 - July 2024. You can find out more about the 2023-24 recipients on our ReNews blog.

Grants from previous years can be viewed here

Can there be collaboration between different grants?

Yes, cross-collaboration between different applicants is highly encouraged. Collaborative efforts are seen in a positive light and can enhance the impact of your project.

How do organisations contribute to the community through these grants?

By bringing the community closer together and fostering a spirit of cooperation. By participating in these grants, you can help to build a more inclusive and collaborative community.

Are related pitches acceptable? How do you view applications involving collaborations?

Related pitches are acceptable, and applications that include collaborations are viewed favourably. Collaborative projects often have a greater potential impact and demonstrate community engagement and partnership.

What is the auspice process?

An organisation can be engaged as an auspice partner to support the grant application and project implementation. This partnership benefits the overall program and the community zone by providing additional resources and expertise.

What is the organisational burden of managing multiple grants, and how does it affect participation in the event?

Managing multiple grants does require organisational effort, but it's balanced by the value and impact of participating in the event. Effective planning and resource allocation can mitigate the burden, ensuring a meaningful contribution to the community.

What is the difference between the Art Grant and the Placemaking Art grant?

The Art Grant typically focuses on supporting individual artists and their projects, while the Placemaking Art grant is geared towards projects that enhance public spaces and community engagement. Placemaking Art projects often involve a collaborative or interactive element that contributes to the vitality and identity of public places.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.