Art Grants & Registration
Build it, paint it, sew it — we want it!
The ARTery grants program helps bring your creative visions to life at Underland. Whether it’s a giant sculpture, a glowing portal, or something utterly unclassifiable, we’re here to help you make it happen.
What’s on Offer?
The ARTery team (via Common Arts Victoria) allocates 10% of ticket sales to supporting artists.
Grant amounts vary, but they’re intended as a contribution — not full project funding.
Grants are offered in two tiers:
- Large Grants – Up to $3000
- Small Grants – Up to $1000
You’ll receive up to 80% before the event, and the final 20% post-event, once you’ve met your grant obligations (including receipts and documentation).
What We’re Looking For
Applications are judged on four key criteria:
1. Artistic Merit
Originality, creativity, and artistic skill in your concept and execution.
2. Feasibility
Is your plan solid and achievable with your budget, timeline, and crew?
3. Impact & Engagement
Does it make people feel something? Invite play? Challenge norms? Spark conversation?
4. Diversity & Inclusion
Is your work inclusive, accessible, and representative of diverse perspectives?
We especially encourage applications from new artists, non-artists, First Nations creatives, and folks from all walks of life.
What We Don’t Fund
To keep things fair and focused, here are a few things grants won’t cover:
Artist wages or fees
Tickets or CAV membership
Goods purchased from your own business
Theme camps (apply separately!)
General costumes, stages or performance art (consider an Ignition or Melburners grant)
Personal gear that becomes “cool stuff you own” (e.g. gazebos, solar panels for vans)
Regular travel expenses like petrol to get to site
Anything MOOPy (Matter Out Of Place)
Pyro or fuel for the Effigy pre-show
Leave No Trace
In true Underland spirit, all artists are expected to Leave No Trace.
If you MOOP, we may withhold part of your grant.
MOOP offenders may also be denied future grants.
Be kind to the land — it’s part of the art.
How to Apply
It’s easy:
- Fill out the Art Registration Form when it becomes available.
- Indicate you'd like to be considered for a grant
- Provide a clear budget and project plan
- That’s it! We’ll take it from there.
You’ll need to submit receipts and a post-event spending report to receive your final payment. More info in the grant terms.
Key 2026 Dates
LARGE GRANTS:
$1001-$3000
Opens: 18/2/26
Closes: 30/4/26
SMALL GRANTS:
$100-$1000
Opens: 1/3/26 Closes: 19/6/26
Self Funded Art:
For self-funded art seeking placement
For self-funded art seeking placement
For self-funded art seeking placement
For self-funded art seeking placement
Opens: 18/2/26 Closes: 1/9/26