$770,000 FOR ABORIGINAL ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS The NSW Government has provided almost $770,000 for 25 projects that support training, career development, employment and marketing opportunities for Aboriginal artists, arts workers and young people across NSW. Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the new projects will enable Aboriginal artists to build on their abilities and talents, boost local economies and encourage a greater appreciation of Aboriginal culture in the wider community. “Almost $296,000 will fund two Aboriginal art fairs, two projects that provide dance and theatre training to young Aboriginal people and two career traineeships,” Mr Grant said. “An additional $260,000 will provide employment placements for four Aboriginal arts professionals at leading arts organisations, while 15 projects valued at $208,000 will support Aboriginal artists in regional and remote communities.” Mr Grant said the Government is proud to invest in a vibrant and distinctive Aboriginal arts and cultural sector, supporting local artists and arts workers across NSW to tell the stories of their communities. “NSW is fortunate to have a vast array of Aboriginal artistic talent across art forms including visual art, dance, theatre, literature and music,” he said. “The funding is part of the Government’s Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Strategy, which guides Arts NSW’s ongoing partnerships and supports new creative opportunities for Aboriginal artists, arts workers, communities and audiences. “In February, we launched the second stage of this strategy, Connection, Culture and Pathways, which has a focus on career pathways through initiatives such as mentorships, secondments, employment placements and industry partnerships,” he said. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Leslie Williams said these projects would help many talented Aboriginal artists continue to tell compelling stories in many art forms. “Aboriginal artists have been telling unique stories for thousands of years and we want to make sure that continues in Sydney suburbs and throughout regional NSW,” she said.
Arts North West Inc: $15,000 for Making Old Markings New, a project to support professional skills development of four Anaiwan and Kamilaroi artists to re-connect with their regional cultural identity. The artists will work with experts at the Australian Museum and the University of New England to explore objects and mark-making traditions from the New England North West. It will include an e-resource and mini exhibition.