Media Release
Regional Arts Victoria and partners invite you to join an inspiring evening of connection, celebration and wisdom-sharing in an insightful networking event titled, Creative Social: 5 Things I’ve Learnt About… Funding.
Designed for southwest Victoria’s creatives, changemakers and collaborators, this informal gathering is a chance to meet supportive networks, hear directly from locals behind successful projects, gain real-world insights on funding and fundraising for big ideas, and win a support package valued at almost $2,000.
In a series of quick-fire talks, locals will showcase stories from creative projects that have employed diverse tactics to fund and deliver their ideas, from the evolution of the Warnibald Prize and Warrnambool’s newest sculpture project, to local artists set to take over the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Attendees will also hear insights from the start-up sector and learn practical tips on smashing fundraising targets, securing grants, negotiating sponsorships, and building meaningful partnerships
Adding to the atmosphere will be stories and songs by Lian Husi Timor in collaboration with Billy Barker, and performers from Find Your Voice Collective. Attendees will enjoy catering from A Passionate Pear and a complimentary drink, all included in a ‘pay what you feel’ ticket model, where optional community donations will be bolstered by generous support from Fletcher Jones Family Foundations and invested in a lucky winner on the night.
A bespoke support package, including one-on-one sessions with 8 industry experts and $1,000 seed funding, will be up for grabs, designed to help a local idea grow into an impactful creative project.
Fletcher Jones Family Foundation’s Executive Officer, Lisa McLeod, said,
“Whether you’re a local creative, community volunteer, a collaborative organisation, funder, or simply passionate about arts and culture, May’s Creative Social is a platform for sharing knowledge, building networks, and imagining what’s possible when we back local ideas.”
The event is delivered as part of the South West Creative Industries Strategy 2025-2029; a partnership initiative supporting the sector across Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians and Warrnambool.
RAV’s Regional Manager for the southwest, Stacey Barnes said,
“In developing the Strategy, the community called for opportunities to connect networks, help local creatives find ways to fund their ideas, and enable professional development. This is a night for making new connections across sectors, tapping into the knowledge and networks of southwest communities, and meeting people who can help you to pursue your goals. Think TEDTalks meets Shark Tank, but with songs, stories and a sociable, community vibe!”
This event is part of a series of activities delivered by Strategy partners aimed at supporting creative communities across the region. Book via the Humanitix link at rav.net.au/swcis and follow @RAVsouthwest on Facebook for more events and opportunities.
EVENT DETAILS:
Creative Social – 5 Things I’ve Learnt About… Funding
Date: Tue 27 May 2025
Time: Networking 5.30-6pm, Event 6–8:30pm
Location: Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool, Eastern Maar / Gunditjmara Country
Tickets: Free or Pay What You Feel, booking essential.
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About the South West Creative Industries Strategy:
Launched in 2020, the South West Creative Industries Strategy is a collaborative plan to support and grow the local creative sector. This innovative approach was influential and impactful as Victoria’s first regional creative strategy and is now in its second iteration. Regional Arts Victoria leads the Strategy in partnership with regional stakeholders, including the Victorian Government, the Great South Coast Regional Partnership, Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians, and Warrnambool Councils, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism and South West Community Foundation.
About Regional Arts Victoria:
Regional Arts Victoria backs artists and communities across regional Victoria to make, participate in, and experience creative work. Regional Arts Victoria is an independent, not-for-profit, membership-based organisation working in long-term partnerships with every level of government, fostering contemporary and innovative regional cultural practice. We advise and impact on decision-making across multiple portfolios and levels of government. Regional Arts Victoria is the peak body for regional artists and arts organisations, and the leading organisation for regional creative practice in Victoria.
Media Contact: Kate Gerritsen | 0412 950 023 | [email protected]
Image: Lian Husi Timor musicians, members of whom will share their story and perform live as part of May’s Creative Social. Photograph: Billy Barker.
Posted 5 May 2025