Arts Nunawading
Arts Nunawading Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation.
It was founded in 1964 by local art groups.
Today it brings together a large and diverse membership pursuing a wide range of creative practices.
Our mission:
To foster the understanding, sharing, participation in, and promotion of the arts in and around the City of Whitehorse.
We generate most of our funding by running the Nunawading Market.
Membership
Any cultural, performing or visual art group based mainly in the City of Whitehorse is eligible to join.
As an umbrella organisation, we support and promote the arts to the local community, including our councillors and politicians.
Individual groups can struggle to be heard when seeking support, but the more groups we represent, the louder our voice.
Membership benefits include shared ideas, networking and experiences, and the right to apply for financial support.
To join, please download the membership application.
Office bearers
- President:
- Secretary:
- Treasurer:
Grants
Member groups are eligible to apply for funding after one year’s financial membership.
Applications close by 31st August yearly.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered and must be resubmitted by the next closing date.
How do I apply?
To apply, download the grant application.
What information do I need to provide?
– justification for the application
– the total amount of funding needed
– an audited set of financial accounts for the previous year
– a copy of the member’s Constitution
Grant application
PDF downloadHistory
Originally known as Nunawading Arts Council, Arts Nunawading Inc. has an interesting and diverse history of involvement in the City of Whitehorse arts community.
1964
Mayor of Nunawading (Councillor Dick Lack) called a meeting of local arts groups to establish a Festival of Arts. (Initial members: Mitcham Arts Association, Mitcham Repertory Group, Blackburn Film Society, Utassy Ballet and Nunawading Musical Society)
1965
Festival of Arts established. (New member – Maroondah Symphony Orchestra) Professor Zelman Cowen (later Governor General of Australia) appointed Patron. Subsequent patrons: Lady Violet Brooks, Dame Margaret Sutherland.
1966
Festival of Arts membership expanded. (New members – Babirra Players, Vermont Horticultural Society and East Victorian Highland Dancing Association)
1972 & 1973
At the instigation of Councillor Albert Brown, Nunawading Arts Council was asked to receive and process applications from local groups for Nunawading City Council grants. This arrangement continued until the amalgamation of Box Hill and Nunawading Councils in 1994.
1977
Nunawading Arts Council proposed to “provide a Rotunda Building with moveable walls as a Sound Shell, containing a modified practice area which is to be enclosed.”
1978
Councillor Dick Lack presented plans for the Nunawading Arts and Entertainment Centre to Nunawading City Council.
1984
The construction of the Nunawading Arts and Entertainment Centre was approved by Nunawading City Council. Nunawading Arts Council contributed $96,000 to help fund this development.
1986
Nunawading Arts and Entertainment Centre was opened. (Mitcham Repertory Group performed first, followed by Maroondah Symphony Orchestra and NOVA Theatre. Nunawading Arts Council became an incorporated body.
1987
This first Dick Lack Award was presented to the Binneas String Quartet. ‘Friends of Nunawading Art Centre’ was established to co-ordinate and operate the Front of House and Kiosk at the Centre. The Nunawading Art & Craft Market opened.
1988
Nunawading Arts Council took over the running of the Nunawading Art and Craft Market.
1991
The Dick Lack Memorial Fund was established with a yearly allocation of funds into a specified account—backdated to 1987.
1994
City of Nunawading and City of Box Hill Councils amalgamated to form City of Whitehorse.
City of Whitehorse ceased making grants to the Nunawading Arts Council for the promotion of art and cultural activities in the City of Whitehorse and assumed prime responsibility for making grants to local groups.
1995
Nunawading Arts Council started its own programme of grants to member groups to help people develop their talents and to promote cultural activities in the City of Whitehorse.
1997
Nunawading Arts Council arranged Annual fundraising concerts held at the Whitehorse Centre, including Carols at Twilight in 1998.
2002
Installation of plaque by the City of Whitehorse acknowledging the efforts of Nunawading Arts Council members—Max Grant, Albert Brown, Hazel Mourney, Noel Browne and Jean Abbott—for their contributions to the building of the Whitehorse Centre.
2005
Nunawading Arts Council Inc. changed its name to Arts Nunawading Inc. to reduce widespread confusion in the community with the City of Whitehorse Council.
2006
Arts Nunawading Inc. website launched.
2012
Arts Nunawading Inc. celebrated its 25th Anniversary of the Nunawading Market – Make it. Bake it. Grow it.
2014
Arts Nunawading Inc. website is relaunched.
2026
Arts Nunawading Inc. website upgraded with online stall bookings.