Unlocked Grant Program

Overview

Murray Arts is pleased to announce our much-loved micro-grant program UNLOCKED 2026 is back this Summer, just in time for all those creative development endeavours that we know you are dreaming up over the break! 

The Summer round of UNLOCKED 2026 will offer 10 grants of $1,500 each to support professional creative development. 

UNLOCKED was an initiative developed as a response to the massive disruption that COVID-19 Pandemic caused across the creative industry, and tailored to artists in the Murray Arts footprint. Since UNLOCKED was launched in June 2020, we have given a total of $106,815 in funding, across 8 rounds, supporting 140 grant recipients. 

Purpose of the grant

UNLOCKED aims to support individual creative professional development for professional artists at any stage of their career who live, work, and connect in an ongoing way with the Murray Arts footprint.  Our footprint borders the Indigenous Nations of Duduroa, Yaithmathang, Bangarang, Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta & Wavaroo and encompasses the local government areas of Albury City, Greater Hume, Federation, City of Wodonga, Indigo and Towong. 

Objective

Recipients might use the funds to:

• Support Artistic Growth and Skill Development: Enable artists to expand and refine their creative skills by developing existing work, engaging in mentorship, or pursuing new collaborative projects. 
• Strengthen Creative Business Practices: Fund opportunities for artists to enhance their business acumen, refine business plans, and seek professional advice, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth in their careers. 
• Facilitate Access to Essential Tools and Resources: Assist artists in acquiring materials, equipment, or other resources necessary to produce high-quality work, especially when financial barriers exist. 
• Promote Artistic Residencies: Support residencies that provide focused time and space for creative exploration, allowing artists to deepen their practice in immersive environments. 
• Encourage Professional Networking and Knowledge Sharing: Fund attendance at conferences, workshops, or other professional development events that foster industry connections, expose artists to new trends, and offer insights into their field. 
• Enhance Collaboration and Mentorship Opportunities: Facilitate partnerships and mentorships between creatives, enriching individual practices through shared knowledge, diverse perspectives, and collaborative innovation. 

Eligibility

Who can apply?

• The UNLOCKED – Summer of 2025 program is open to artists who live, work, and connect with the Murray Arts local government areas of Albury City, Greater Hume, Federation Shire, City of Wodonga, Indigo Shire and Towong Shires. 
• Our definition of an independent professional creative artist is someone who earns an income (primary or supplementary) from their creative practice. You will need to have an active ABN. 
• Applications are welcomed from artists practicing in all mediums, including visual art, performance, circus, dance, design, music, film, sculpture, digital, creative education, and writing. 
• Applicants are encouraged to join the Murray Arts Creatives Directory. 
• If successful, you will need to invoice Murray Arts for the agreed fee. The amount listed does not include GST. 
• No insurance, superannuation and or workers compensation is offered as part of the UNLOCKED program, it is the responsibility of the successful applicants to ensure they are meeting their own personal/business requirements for these considerations. 

Details

• UNLOCKED Summer 2026 opens Monday 3 November and closes Friday 14 November at 5pm. 
• All applicants will be notified of the outcome from Monday 1 December 2025 and all payments will be made by January 31, 2026. 
• The aim is for successful applicants to complete their funded UNLOCKED creative development project by mid-2026. 
• After the activity is completed, successful artists will be required to submit an image, short video or audio accompanied by a brief summary about their UNLOCKED funded creative development. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a UNLOCKED ZOOM networking meeting in mid 2026 for connection and sharing. 

Funding range

10 Grants of $1500 are available for professional development activities. 

Eligible activities

Projects including but not limited to:

• Projects including but not limited to: 
• Develop existing work 
• Develop/refine their creative business and seek advice 
• Fund a residency 
• Purchase material or equipment to develop creative work 
• Attend a professional development opportunity, event or conference 
• Collaborate with another creative or mentor 

Assessment

Applications are evaluated by a panel including Murray Arts Staff, Board and LGA Representatives. Every applicant will be informed of their outcome. 

When assessing the applications, the panel will consider the impact of the proposed activity or purchase on the artist’s creative practice, wellbeing, or business. 

How to Apply:

Apply via the UNLOCKED 2026 application form online. 

If the online form does not meet your access needs, please contact Murray Arts for a word document version.

Applications open Monday 3 November and close Friday 14 November 2025 at 5pm.