Apollo Bay Arts is a non-profit, volunteer-run association dedicated to fostering creative life in Apollo Bay and the southern Otway region. Established as an arts council in 1985 and incorporated in 1994, we have long served as the umbrella organisation for local arts activity, supporting artists across the region.
We co-ordinate and promote a wide range of arts-based programs, events and initiatives—helping to connect people, encourage creative expression, and strengthen our vibrant cultural community.
Our annual events include the Apollo Bay Art Show and Apollo Bay WORDFest and a calendar of exhibitions in our beautiful Gallery in the historic Mechanics Institute Hall. Our art activities and groups include Pottery Club, Theatre Collective, Open Studio, Creative Village (foreshore sculpture trail), workshops and Creative Arts Grants.
Our Purpose:
- Support for Local Artists: To support and assist local artists and creatives (professional and emerging) by providing learning, mentoring, development opportunities and support for creative projects.
- Access: To provide accessible, low-cost opportunities for the creation, exhibition and performance of all forms of artistic expression in Apollo Bay.
- Programs & Events: To facilitate, coordinate and promote creative arts activities.
- Community & Wellbeing: To enhance community pride, connection, health and wellbeing in Apollo Bay and surrounding districts through a vibrant and inclusive creative arts culture.
As a proud member of Regional Arts Victoria, we work to ensure the arts remain accessible, visible and celebrated throughout Apollo Bay and the Otways.
FUNDING AND GRANTS
The total budget for ABAi’s funding program is determined annually by the ABAi Committee following allocation of funds to forecasted internal activities .
The funding pool is limited to the revenue surplus from the previous financial year. The annual Apollo Bay Art Show is the only source of funding for the ABAi annual budget. See the full ANNUAL FUNDING FRAMEWORK document (Adopted May 2026).
The ABAi financial year runs from 1 June to 31 May.
FUNDING STREAMS: ABAi distributes funds through two primary streams:
- Internal Funding
Supporting the development, delivery, and expansion of ABAi events, programs, and activities. - External Funding – CREATIVE ARTS GRANTS
Providing financial support to local artists, creative projects, and community-based arts groups.
2025 / 2026 COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President: Sarah Doyle, Vice President: Jenny Baxter, Treasurer: Jo Forrest, Secretary: Jo Dunsmuir, Ordinary Members: Caroline Williams, Agnes Carlitz