Council Invests in Local Arts and Events
The City of Victor Harbor has announced the successful recipients of its 2026 Arts and Culture Grants and Major Festivals and Events Grants programs.
Council has invested more than $43,000 in local creativity, festivals and community experiences through its annual Arts and Culture Grants Program and Major Festivals and Events Grants Program for 2026/27.
Demand for both programs continues to grow, reflecting the strength of Victor Harbor's creative, cultural and events sectors. The Arts and Culture Grants Program has become increasingly competitive, with applications totalling approximately $17,000 in 2025/26 against the available $10,000 funding pool. Demand continued to grow in the 2026/27 round, with funding requests increasing to approximately $22,000.
The funding will support a diverse range of initiatives, including creative workshops, community arts programs, theatre performances, cultural experiences, sporting events, festivals and major community celebrations. Supported events and projects will create opportunities for residents to participate in community life, encourage visitation to the region and provide benefits for local businesses, tourism operators and community organisations.
Mayor Moira Jenkins said the continued growth in applications demonstrated the value local people placed on arts, culture and events in Victor Harbor.
"What stands out every year is the number of people who are prepared to invest their time, energy and creativity into making Victor Harbor an even better place to live, work and visit," Mayor Jenkins said.
"These grant programs help local artists, volunteers, community groups and event organisers bring their ideas to life and create opportunities for people to connect, learn, celebrate and participate."
"The increase in applications shows there is strong demand for opportunities that bring people together, support local talent and create new experiences for residents and visitors."
Among the initiatives receiving support this year are creative projects such as The Sound and the Furry, Arts for Hearts, the Found Creative Series and regional touring theatre performances, alongside major events including the Victor Harbor Christmas Pageant and Carols, Victor Harbor Fringe Festival, Fleurieu Food Festival, Victor Harbor Half Marathon, Sid James Victor Harbor Triathlon and Victor226 and Victor Harbor Valhalla Festival.
The growing demand for support demonstrates the important role local artists, volunteers, organisations and event organisers play in creating opportunities for people to connect, learn, celebrate and participate in community life. It also reinforces the value these programs deliver in supporting local creativity, attracting visitors and contributing to the ongoing vitality of Victor Harbor.
2026 Arts and Culture Grants Program recipients:
- Tom Darling to produce the short film 'The Sound and the Furry'.
- Mia Petrou for Silver Ring Making Workshops at Coral Street Art Space
- Feast Festival to support the regional tour of the theatre performance of 'My Grandpa Doesn't Follow Me on Instagram'.
- Care Vaughan to support Arts for Hearts, delivering accessible community art experiences at the Victor Harbor Artisan Market.
- Adriel Booker to support Found Creative Series, a year-long program of community creative workshops and gatherings.
2026 Major Festivals and Events Grants Program recipients:
- Delfos Holistic Health and Fitness to support the Sid James Victor Harbor Triathlon and Victor226.
- Rotary Club of Victor Harbor to support the Victor Harbor Christmas Pageant and Carols.
- Space Jams, a South Australia-based touring music festival.
- The 2027 Fleurieu Food Festival
- South Coast Wipeout’s inaugural music festival.
- Events & Festivals Australia to support the 2027 Victor Harbor Valhalla Festival.
- The 2027 Victor Harbor Fringe Festival.
- Great Southern Runs to support the Victor Harbor Half Marathon.
If you have questions about any of the grant programs, email grants@victor.sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8551 0500