Free money! Get your free money! ‘What’s that?’ you say. Why, the ArtsACT 2012 arts fund is now open silly. Official announcement from the ArtsACT website:

The ACT Arts Fund is one of the main ways the ACT Government provides direct support to the arts.  Each year, applications are invited from all artists, groups and organisations wishing to undertake arts programs, projects and activities in the ACT.

The 2012 ACT Arts Fund will close on 5:00pm Wednesday 8 June 2011for applications to the Project Funding, Communities Working With Artists Funding, Program Funding and ACT Creative Arts Fellowships categories.

All applicants are encouraged to attend a one-hour information session that will outline the types of funding available and provide helpful hints on submitting an application.  The information session will be held at  The Street Theatre, Childers Street, Canberra City on  Wednesday 4 May 2011 at 6:00pm (no bookings required).

If you’re an ACT artist and you’ve never applied for ArtsACT funding then shame on you. Grant application writing is tough going, yes, but it helps you identify your practice, figure out your goals, get your name out there and maybe, every once in a while, get some cash. Plus, living in Canberra means you’re already a big fish in a small (albeit vibrant) pond.

Extra special bonus for youngsters: Earlier this year ArtsACT held its first round of ‘Startup’ grants for artists aged 18-25 who have never before received funding. A pretty cracking great list of young local talents received some dosh out of it, and later this year applications for the second round of Startup will open. Check out the list of first round recipients here and let them be a lesson to you!

If you’re confused by funding categories, the application process, or just require some general advice and guidance, don’t be shy: contact the lovely folk at ArtsACT. After all, it’s their job to help you out.