Prior to 2011, MA (Vic) provided small grants for museums through our Exhibition Grants (formerly known as RETI) and Museum Assistance Grants (formerly known as BBRM) programs. Unfortunately, these Grants Program are no longer available.

Museum Assistance Grants (formerly Regional Exhibitions Touring Initiative RETI)

RETI supported Victorian museums to develop and improve touring exhibitions and displays through training and small grants.

RETI grants were available by application in three categories:

Category A: Development (up to $4,000)
Category B: Touring (up to $6,000)
Category C: Infrastructure (up to $5,000)

Arts Victoria supported RETI with funds from the Community Support Fund. In 2009, RETI Category C offered grants for museums:

• that meet the Museums Australia definition of a museum (see http://www.museumsaustralia.org.au/site/page13.php)
• located in the greater Melbourne metropolitan region, including those in the urban-rural interface (Cardinia, Hume, Nillumbik, Mornington Peninsula, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges)
• with a demonstrated commitment to improvement and involving the community.

Museum Assistance Grants (formerly Building Better Museums BBM)

BBM supported museums through small grants for improvements in keeping with the Museum Accreditation Program (MAP) and the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries

Who were the grants for?

Prior to 2011, Museum Assistance grants were offered to museums:

• that meet the Museums Australia definition of a museum
• located in the greater Melbourne metropolitan region, including those in the urban-rural interface (Cardinia, Hume, Nillumbik, Mornington Peninsula, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges)
• with a demonstrated commitment to improvement and involving the community

BBM grants were only offered on a by invitation basis and preference will be given to small organisations with 5 or less full time paid staff.

Eligible museums and projects were identified in consultation with MA (Vic)’s other programs and partner organisations that worked with the Victorian museum community and collections. A museum’s case for funding may have been strengthened where their small infrastructure needs were identified in recommendations or goals within a Conservation Assessment, Significance Assessment and/or other guiding document.

How much money was available?

In 2010,

A total of $80,800 was made available to eligible museums in 2009, for small infrastructure requirements like museum fittings, equipment, repairs, signage, tools and other items. A typical grant was expected to be around $5,000.

Where the money came from

This project was supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund. Funding came through the Arts In the Suburbs program.

Past Recipients

RETI Grant Recipients
BBRM Grant Recipients