Helping hands for kids to be involved in the Arts

We are indeed facing tough times – multiple natural disasters, a global pandemic, housing and health crisis leaves little money left over for allowing kids to be actively engaged in performing arts activities offered outside of school.

What are some of the programs out there that assist families with financial assistance to help their child attend creative and artistic classes?

Without looking at individual schools and studios we have found just a few organisations and programs that do just that.

Artists for Kids Culture 

Artists for Kids Culture began with the simple purpose to support kids who would otherwise miss-out.

• Artists for Kids provides grant funding to enable children and young people, aged 5-17, who are experiencing hardship to participate in a broad range of artistic and cultural activities.
• These activities include dance, music, drama and other cultural experiences. We also fund other interests and projects that we consider will enhance a child’s life experience.

Grant Category A – Individual

• Application to fund an individual child for a range of activities including music, dance, drama, art,  as well as programs and experiences such as camps, personal development courses, mentorships, art therapy – any approved activity that will enrich a child’s life experience.
• Funding is currently limited to $1,500 per child (and $3,500 per family) over a 12 month period. While we prefer applications to be submitted six weeks in advance, we do consider emergency funding.
• www.akc.org.au

The Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation 

The Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation is a lasting legacy to Nicole Fitzsimons a talented ballerina and budding sports journalist whose life was tragically taken in a motorcycle accident overseas.

• Nicole’s Foundation honours her passion for performing arts by makes grant to young performing artists and sportspeople to aspire to their dreams, and offering disadvantaged youth and children dance programs.
• Do you know of someone aged 16-25 who is a naturally gifted performer, or a passionate rising star in the sporting field, yet is struggling financially to make their dreams come true? Is there a trip overseas for a competition that they simply cannot afford? Or a scholarship to a special school to advance their talents that is just out of their reach?
• www.nicolefitzsimons.com/foundation-grants

State Creative and Cultural vouchers for kids

Fairplay Vouchers QLD

• Apply for a voucher valued up to $150 for a QLD child’s membership, registration or participation in activities that get kids moving: Circus Skills, Dance, Dancesport, Acrobatics or Stunt Skills.
• www.qld.gov.au

Creative Kids Vouchers NSW

• Apply for a voucher valued up to $100 for a NSW child’s registration, membership or participation in an eligible creative program from painting, to poetry and music or theatre.
• www.service.nsw.gov.au/creative-kids

Get Active Kids Voucher Program Victoria

• Apply for a voucher for up to $200 for a VIC child’s membership, uniform or equipment with a registered provider, or, be reimbursed up to $200 for membership fees.
• Anyone can also join Get Active Victoria for free and access their free resources and movement workouts for all ages.
• www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers

Ticket to Play Tas

• Ticket to Play provides two vouchers worth up to $100 each towards club membership fees for TAS children aged 5-18 years who are listed on a Services Australia Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card or are in Out of Home Care. Vouchers can be used at two different activity providers, or both can be used at one activity provider.
• Dance is the only arts-based option.
• www.tickettoplay.tas.gov.au

What individual funding assistance would you like us to add to the list? We’d love your input. Send through any and all program details to: hello@apata.com.au