The $59,232 grant will support 10 artists to undertake fully subsidised residencies, enabling La Trobe Art Institute (LAI) to deliver its most ambitious residency program to date. LAI’s 2025 residencies will support artists working regionally and internationally, with a renewed focus on global Indigenous artists.

La Trobe plans to make use of its purpose-built facilities, including an apartment, studio and auditorium, as well as its key relationships with creative, cultural and academic knowledge holders.

The program is one of 246 projects to be funded through Creative Australia’s Art Projects funding stream, which saw $12 million invested in projects across all artforms. Also announced was Creative Australia’s Music Australia Export Development Fund, which has invested $900,000 in 72 projects designed to help emerging, mid-career and established Australian musicians break into international markets.

These funding decisions were made through Creative Australia’s independent peer assessment process, at arm’s length from government.

Creative Australia was provided with additional funding through the Federal Labor Government’s National Cultural Policy, Revive. As a result, it has been able to support significantly more creative projects than was previously possible.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP: 

“Our Government’s five-year plan to revive the arts in Australia is allowing more arts organisations to receive funding and more artists to tell their stories.

“I want to congratulate La Trobe for putting forward a successful application and contributing to the thriving arts sector here in Bendigo.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO LA TROBE BENDIGO HEAD OF CAMPUS, MARGARET O’ROURKE: 

“La Trobe University is delighted to receive a funding boost from Creative Australia, recognising our ongoing contribution to the arts community in Bendigo.

“This Federal support will drive La Trobe’s innovation and collaboration, further solidifying the city’s position as a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural growth.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO LA TROBE ART INSTITUTE DIRECTOR, DR KAREN ANNETT: 

“The funding received through Creative Australia will enable the La Trobe Art Institute to deliver our most ambitious residency program to date.

“Guided by Djaara seasons, our residencies are grounded in place and focused on building connections. By walking beside our resident artists, we see our place anew, alternative approaches are uncovered, and new ideas are seeded for artists and institution alike.”