Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) is inviting artists or collectives who identify as First Nations, persons of colour or from the CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities can apply for Diasporas Commissions in three tiers.

Launched at the beginning of the month the Diasporas Commissions are commissions that will be offered for: creative developments alone (with possible presentation in 2023); creative developments with presentation in 2022; and presentations of a new work that has already undergone creative development.

The three tiers of artistic commissions for Diasporas Commissions are each worth $10,000; $25,000; and $50,000 and artists cannot submit one project for all three tiers but they can submit separate projects for each tier of funding.

“DIASPORAS is set to disrupt the old systems and ignite diverse artists to create new work, new networks and a new arts ecology,” said the MAV statement.

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MAV will be able to help artists to identify additional funding for their work but their budget should reflect that additional funding and how it will be support.

To be eligible for Diasporas Commissions participants must, according to the MAV website: “self-identify as First Nations, Person of Colour or Culturally or Linguistically Diverse.”

Participants must live in Victoria and provide a Victoria address.

Applications which opened on Friday, 2 July will close on 20 August. An Advisory Group of cultural leaders will assess each application. Information sessions will be held on 22 July and 5 August to answer questions relating to the applications.

Projects that are awarded commissions will be able to participate in workshops and mentoring sessions “to explore themes of voice, practice and process and assist in the development of the projects”

“Commissioned projects may be presented at any time during 2022, but must be completed by 31 December, 2022. We will work with you to identify the best time to present the work,” said MAV on its website

“Diasporas Commissions created by, for and with diverse creatives as an artistic intervention to increase creativity, participation and equity in the arts towards a new arts ecology,” stated MAV.

Diasporas was supported by Creative Victoria, City of Melbourne and the Australia Council of Arts with the Arts Centre of Melbourne as the home home base and “for the presentation of the Diasporas platform”.

“This decision reflects an exciting dialogue and partnership that is evolving between our organisations to centre equity in our work as sector leaders.

“Partnership interrogates and develops work in cultural equity with Diasporas showcasing “key outcomes over the four years at the Arts Centre Melbourne.”

♦For more in information email Creative Producer, James Emmanuel Mckinnon at james@mav.org.au. of visit the MAV website.