The creative industries – entertainment, media, design, fashion and the creative arts – are one of the five sectors identified in the NSW Government’s State Plan as having the greatest potential for growth and innovation in NSW.

Parliamentary Secretary Steve Whan today announced a $15,000 grant to help artists and arts volunteers from country NSW attend the sixth biennial Regional Arts Australia national conference to be held in Alice Springs this year.

The winner of the inaugural Design NSW: Travelling Scholarship, a new award presented by the Powerhouse Museum and British Council with Arts NSW, was announced on 7 August at the official launch of Sydney Design 08. The winner - Matthew Huynh - received $18,000 in prize money, which will be used to fund an overseas sabbatical and develop his professional career.