The NSW Government today announced more than $17 million to support arts communities around the State, funding projects across genres including music, dance, theatre, literature and visual arts.
Minister for the Arts Frank Sartor said the funding was part of the Iemma Government’s $26 million 2008 Cultural Grants Program.
“The Iemma Government is committed to investing in the arts in communities throughout NSW,” Mr Sartor said.
“The grants announced today are in addition to funding already committed, under the Cultural Grants Program, to the NSW major performing arts companies.
“Today’s announcement will benefit communities from Lismore to Eden, helping artists and arts workers across the State create new works, build skills and reach out to ever wider audiences.
“This funding supports projects from theatre and circus performances, to professional skills development and festivals.
“The funds will also support new cultural facilities, help refurbish cinemas and theatres, as well as museums and galleries.
“The grants will also support the extensive network of Regional Arts Boards we have in place around NSW and will ensure that professional development opportunities such as workshops and conferences continue to be held.
“The Iemma Government is committed to increasing participation and maintaining the high standard of artistic achievement in NSW.”
The grants announced today comprise:
Ø More than $4 million for Visual Arts and Craft;
Ø More than $2.6 million for Theatre;
Ø More than $1 million for Dance;
Ø More than $1 million for Capital Infrastructure;
Ø More than $2.6 million for Community Cultural Development;
Ø More than $1.7 million for the Western Sydney Arts Strategy;
Ø More than $1.5 million for Music;
Ø More than $1.4 million for Museums;
Ø More than $700,000 for Performing Arts Touring; and
Ø More than $700,000 for Literature and History projects.
Some highlights of the grants announced today include:
- Visual Arts and Craft –funding for Artspace, the Australian Centre for Photography, d/Lux/Media/Arts, Object (the Australian Centre for Craft and Design), Performance Space and the Biennale of Sydney;
- Theatre – support for Playwriting Australia, and new productions for Urban Theatre Projects and Griffin Theatre Company;
- Dance – support for Bernadette Walong’s 'Ground Up', which combines Indigenous dance and classical ballet;
- Music – support for choirs, music festivals and contemporary music events across the State;
- Museums – museum projects in Albury, Dubbo, Orange, Griffith and Tweed Heads;
- Literature and History – support for the tenth National Young Writers’ Festival in Newcastle;
- Performing Arts Touring – support for theatre, dance, jazz and opera touring the State;
- Capital Infrastructure – support for a new recording studio for Gadigal Information Service Aboriginal Corporation;
- Western Sydney Arts Strategy – support for multi-arts centres in Blacktown, Parramatta, Campbelltown and Penrith; and
- Community Cultural Development – funding to help re-establish the Regional Indigenous Cultural Development Officer for Outback Arts.
“NSW is home to a dynamic and innovative arts community,” Mr Sartor said.
“The arts have the capacity to unite people across geographic boundaries and provide a forum for all sections of the community to tell their stories.
“And, of course, a strong arts sector helps to sustain a competitive NSW economy.
“I congratulate those receiving grants under the Cultural Grants Program on their contribution to the cultural life of our state.”