Arts grants available to support regional, community and Aboriginal artists.
Regional arts funding of around $7 million is made available each year by the Department of Culture and the Arts (DCA) and Royalties for Regions. Member for Warren-Blackwood, Terry Redman said funding and support existed for a range of artistic activities across Western Australia and encouraged regional residents, businesses and community groups to make themselves aware of the grants programs. “Royalties for Regions provides $4 million in arts grants each year through a range of schemes including the Regional Venues Investment Fund, the Future Focus for WA Aboriginal Art Centres, and the Regional and Remote Touring Fund,” Mr Redman said. “A further $3 million is made available by the DCA for Creative Development, Commercial Development, Community Engagement, Aboriginal Arts and Scholarship and Fellowship programs.” Mr Redman said the grants programs supported a huge range of artistic opportunities, including new exhibitions, regional touring, sponsorship opportunities, and major infrastructure upgrades. “Grants of up to $15,000 are available year round, while key deadlines for larger grants are available on the DCA website,” Mr Redman said. Mr Redman said support for the arts was one of the many ways The Nationals WA and Royalties for Regions are building vibrant and sustainable regional communities. “Royalties for Regions has made a $24 million commitment to regional culture and the arts from 2015 to 2018. “This funding is giving regional residents more opportunities to access the arts, develop and improve their skills, and bring new and exciting exhibitions and performances to the regions.” For information on each funding program, including who can apply, assessment criteria and eligible activities visit http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/funding/grants-programs. The next episode features debut author and horse trainer Portland Jones. She’ll be discussing her book ‘Seeing the Elephant’ with host Meri Fatin.
The interview will be first broadcast at 8pm on Wednesday 23rd March 2016 as part of the Westlink Community TV Initiative. It will be repeated several times; see Westlink’s program guide for all the broadcast times. Portland was offered her publishing contract after being shortlisted for the 2014 T.A.G. Hungerford Award. The 2016 award is open now and closes at the end of next week. If you have unpublished authors in your community then please encourage them to apply. It is worth $12,000 and a publishing contract to the winner and most of the other shortlisted manuscripts have now been published too. All the details are on the Fremantle Press website here. Major parties must be honest about Royalties for Regions future.
The Nationals WA have called on both major parties to be clear and honest about their future plans for Royalties for Regions – following statements made by Premier Colin Barnett and members of both major parties around the future of the regional fund. Member for Warren-Blackwood, Terry Redman said the people of regional WA deserved an honest answer ahead of the 2017 State Election. “It’s becoming increasingly clear that the major parties are seeking to revise Royalties for Regions and wind back spending in the country to fund projects in Perth,” Mr Redman said. “If Colin Barnett or Mark McGowan plan to repeal Royalties for Regions or make significant changes, they owe it to the people of WA to share those plans well ahead of the election so people can make an informed decision when they cast their vote.” The Royalties for Regions program was created and implemented by The Nationals WA in 2008, and has gone on to deliver $6.1 billion into more than 3,600 projects across regional WA. “Without a dedicated government program focused solely on delivering better health, infrastructure, education and community outcomes in regional WA, the people who live outside the metro area will certainly miss out,” Mr Redman said. “I reject any contention that Royalties for Regions – as an investment into important services and infrastructure in regional communities – is a luxury fund.” While Royalties for Regions is enshrined in legislation, Mr Redman said the legislation could be repealed if The Nationals WA did not remain in a balance of power position following the 2017 State Election. “The major parties believe that spending in the regions can be wound down to fund big infrastructure promises in the city,” Mr Redman said. “It’s very disappointing to see that as soon as the pressure comes on, regional spending is the first place the major parties look to make cuts.” Mr Redman said The Nationals WA would continue to fight to retain Royalties for Regions on behalf of all regional Western Australians. “There is no doubt that Royalties for Regions is under threat heading into the State Election. We’re calling on both major parties to be honest so voters can make a clear choice when they cast their vote.” For media enquiries please contact Terry Redman on 9848 3171 or Terry.Redman@mp.wa.gov.au |
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