The Gritty Places Partnership Program makes a difference to Queensland artists and communities by transforming old buildings into creative and active spaces.

From 2005 to 2009, the Government is providing $200,000 a year through the Gritty Places Partnership Program to help local councils and community groups convert old council buildings into arts venues.

Many local councils own redundant utility buildings such as former sub-stations and depots which are solidly built and have generous internal dimensions. It is possible to develop these disused buildings into rough and basic facilities which are suitable for a range of messy and noisy activities carried out by visual artists, musicians and performance artists. It is envisaged that artists and art groups would use space within these arts accommodation hubs either free of charge or at a nominal rental.

The Gritty Places Partnership Program would contribute to the capital building conversion works providing useable spaces. The facilities could be rough and basic with minimal fit-out works such as toilet, kitchen and office facilities. Workplace Health and Safety, Building, Fire Control and Access standards would be met.

Local councils can apply for grants of up to $50,000 per location to develop a Gritty Places project and will need to demonstrate their financial commitment by at least matching the funding sought from the Government.

Local councils may choose to partner with a local arts organisation to act as project manager of the facility. The local council is expected to provide the building assets and continue to maintain them. A local arts organisation could be engaged to provide tenancy management and business support services or this could be undertaken by council.

Applications for the next round of funding close on 30 September 2008. For more information call 07 3235 4043.

Gritty Places past projects
Guidelines
Applications