Calling creatives

Culture Bank, a unique community initiative to help creatives get their projects off the ground, has announced its new funding round is now open – and that it is keen for new members.

Applications are welcome from individuals and groups. Membership is open to anyone in the community who would like to support creative endeavour in the Illawarra.

Culture Bank is a one-of-a-kind grassroots venture – originally the brainchild of community mover and shaker Jenny Briscoe-Hough, who, together with a committed group of supporters, decided to help local artists through a subscription crowdfunding model. Now in its 11th year, Culture Bank has funded nearly 70 projects from Helensburgh to Dapto. These have included poetry on buses, dance performances, zines and more.

Members – as individuals or businesses – make a monthly or annual donation to Culture Bank and are invited to take part in assessment dinners to decide which projects to fund. It’s an informal social gathering with a purpose, and always a very lively night of conversation. But if the dinners are not for you, as a member you get invited to events Culture Bank has funded.

Covid put the organisation into a dormant state, but with new coordinator Lara Seresin at the helm, Culture Bank is back with renewed vigour.

To apply for funding and to join as a member, go to culturebankwollongong.org.au