News

Local artists receive $48k funding boost

By Ryan Bellingham

Dec 25, 2025

Seven local artists and organisations have been named as recipients of Campaspe Shire Council’s SPARK grants.

Campaspe Shire Council has announced the seven successful 2026 SPARK Arts and Cultural Grants Program recipients, providing a boost to local creativity.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

A total funding round of $48,150 was available, helping to empower artists, creative collectives and cultural practitioners across the shire.

Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the council was committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community by supporting the region’s art scene.

“By supporting local creatives, we strengthen our identity as a creative shire and enrich the cultural fabric of our region,” he said.

“We’re excited to see the projects these grant recipients deliver with new ideas, artworks and experiences that will bring our communities together across Campaspe.”

2026 SPARK Arts and Cultural Grants Program recipients

The Stella Prize, $8500: Stella Day Out: Echuca (Stella x Ripple Fest ) a one-day literary festival that will celebrate women and non-binary writers in collaboration with Echuca library.

Tongala Development Group, $7500: Keys to the Hall: Bringing Tongala’s Grand Piano to Life will revive Tongala Shire Hall’s grand piano with community-driven performances, celebrating music, creativity and connection.

Christy O’ Brien, $5000: Echuca Moama Storytellers Festival will establish a new website and social media platforms to support development of an inaugural Echuca Moama Festival of Stories.

Girls on the Rize, $5000: The Girls on the Rize Project will enable the engagement of a First Nations Elder and cultural leader or artist to support the creative development of local young women.

Melinda Floyd, $10,000: Creative Echuca Mural Project will bring the local community together to design and install a new mural artwork in Echuca South.

Comedy Victoria, $7150: Bendigo Comedy Festival Showcase will feature artists performing at Kyabram Plaza Theatre and Toolleen Hotel, along with free comedy workshops for the local community.

Eden Kenneth Beaumont, $5000: Forging the Forger will support young artist Eden Beaumont’s blacksmith and metalwork skills through a mentorship program including working with Master Blacksmiths.

Cr Mackrell said initiatives such as SPARK reflected the council’s commitment to arts and culture as a cornerstone of community life and creative expression.

“These grants are an investment in the creativity and resilience of our communities,” he said.

“By backing local artists and cultural projects, we’re not only supporting individual talent but creating opportunities for connection.”

The projects are expected to begin soon, with the full suite of creative works due for delivery next year.