5 March 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program supports a diverse and culturally rich Gunnedah through community driven projects, initiatives and events that increase the profile of and participation in arts and culture.

Last year saw the introduction of the inaugural funding round, with grants allocated to numerous not-for-profit arts and cultural groups in the Shire, and upon its success, Gunnedah Shire Council is pleased to announce the 2019 Arts and Cultural Funding Program now open for applications.

Gunnedah Shire Council is one of the few Councils in NSW that provide funding for arts and cultural programs, projects and events.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader, Lauren Mackley said the aim of this funding program is to assist in the continuation of existing local projects or to support new projects and initiatives that help to meet the needs of the growing community, while strengthening cultural identity and connection to place.

“Gunnedah Shire Council is focusing on enhancing local cultural opportunities and experiences, by assisting in building the capacity of arts and cultural community organisations and groups to remain sustainable in the long term,” Ms Mackley said.

“Council encourages applications which target communities in the outlying villages and the Indigenous community’s needs and applications that seek to address issues of access and equity.

“This program has the ability to enrich the cultural fabric of Gunnedah and provide more cultural opportunities and experiences within the Shire.”

The arts and cultural project, program or event must align with the following general arts categories:

• Acting;
• Announcing;
• Fine art and craft;
• Directing;
• Animation;
• Dancing and choreography;
• Entertainment and performance;
• Music and singing;
• Photography;
• Production, and;
• Writing

“This is an annual competitive, funding opportunity. Projects can span up to 12 months and successful applicants can apply for successive annual funding rounds,” Ms Mackley said.

Applications are now open and the Arts & Cultural Funding Application and Guidelines form is available to download or hard copies are available at Gunnedah Shire Library, Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre or Council’s Administration Building.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday, 12 April 2019.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo Caption: Applications are now open for the 2019 Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.