Applications are now being accepted for the Regional Arts Fund (NSW), one of the key funding sources for arts and cultural activities in regional, rural and remote communities of NSW.
The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) is an initiative of the Australian Government. It supports arts and
cultural activities that have long term cultural, economic and social benefits, promote
partnerships and cultural networks, and provide skills development opportunities.
In NSW, the RAF is administered by Regional Arts NSW. Funding is available for projects
commencing after 1 January 2012 in the categories of New Initiatives, Partnerships and
Residencies and Mentorships. For the first time, applicants will be able to apply online.
“We have received an extremely high number of applications in the past two years which demonstrates the importance of this program for regional arts organisations.” said Elizabeth Rogers, CEO of Regional Arts NSW. “The high quality of applications and the range and depth of arts and cultural projects and initiatives in regional NSW always make decisions on funding very difficult. In 2010, a total amount of $247,999 was approved for a wide range of projects that will leave long term benefits in Regional NSW.
“Some of the highlights from the approved projects in 2010 included a socially inclusive electronic music program for people with disabilities, a filmmaking project on the resilience of two rural towns in the face of drought, water-logged crops and locusts swarms and an oral history with Indigenous and non-Indigenous community artists developing a symbolic language to express their stories, creating visual artwork of these symbols and exhibiting their work at their local festival.”
Applications for the Regional Arts Fund (NSW) close on Friday 12 August 2011.
Information packs including instructions, guidelines and application forms for the Regional Arts Fund are available and can be downloaded from the Regional Arts NSW website.