CROWD FUNDING,
Redefined
We believe that when a community pools its resources, incredible things can happen. Here's how our grassroots model turns small change into big impact
To put it simply: The money you contribute will support cultural projects that belong to Wollongong – art, poetry, music, film, circus, books, theatre, and creative workshops, among many other creative expressions.
The more people who join Culture Bank, the more funds available to spend! As a result, creating and enhancing the cultural life of our community.
1. THE POOL: Community members commit to contribution that are pooled together into the 'Culture Bank'.
2, THE APPLICATIONS: Local artists, creatives, and community organisations submit grant applications for projects that will benefit the Wollongong community
3. THE VOTE: Decision dinners are held when funding reaches $10,000. Members are invited to review the shortlisted applications and vote on who gets funded
4. THE GRANT: The winning project receives the grant money immediately, allowing them to bring their creative vision to life in our city.
Frequently Asked Questions
You choose your monthly contribution! Most members give between $10 and $20 a month, but any amount is welcome. It's about collective power, not individual wealth.
Where does the money go?
The pooled grant money goes directly to the artists and projects. Our administrative costs are kept incredibly low and are supported by our parent organisation, OCP
Anyone with a creative project that benefits the Wollongong community! This includes visual artists, musicians, theatre groups, writers, and community event organisers
Do I have to live in Wollongong to join?
No! While the grants focus on the Wollongong/Illawarra region, anyone who wants to support grassroots arts can become a member of Culture Bank
Decision Dinners
The decision dinners are lively, inspiring, heartwarming, and fun-filled dinners where Culture Bank members discuss the applications received each round. These dinners aim to decide which funding application(s) will gain our financial support. Often, these get-togethers are hosted by a Culture Bank member, and sometimes, we eat out in Wollongong. We are always mindful of making these affordable/informal events, and members usually contribute to the dinners by bringing a plate, dessert, or a bottle of wine.
The funding applications are read aloud to the table and then discussed. Decisions are made purely on the strength of the ideas presented. A vote as to whether funding has been approved or not goes by majority consensus.
Invites go out to all members to attend the decision dinners and are made via email and on our Facebook page.
The BIG Decision Dinner was held in the Our Community Project Community Centre Hall on the 9th of June 2022 to celebrate a decade of funding creativity. This was the first dinner that video applications were used. The video grants were extraordinarily creative, and we had many applicants.
WE LOVE OUR MEMBERS TO GET INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS!
