Applications are due by Friday 10 February for the 2012 Country Arts Support Program (CASP), which offers small grants up to $3,000 to regionally based arts and community organisations for short term, locally initiated projects.

CASP is an annual small grants round, funded by the State government, with the responsibility for local administration passed on to regional arts agencies, such as Arts Northern Rivers.

This year the Arts Northern Rivers Board has prioritised support for Northern Rivers residents who don't have regular access to arts programs by introducing a regional priority. This targets increased access by new audiences, in particular groups that are disadvantaged by factors such as age, ability, rural isolation or socio/economic status.

It is anticipated that the list of recipients in 2012 will include a number of general arts projects, plus initiatives that meet the new priority criteria.

A CASP information pack for applicants is available to download from the Regional Arts NSW website.

Applications close on Friday February 10.

The 2012 CASP small grants round is open to projects taking place between April 9 2012 and April 7 2013.

Download the CASP information pack and application form from http://www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/grants/casp.html.

For more information contact Natalie Bull at Arts Northern Rivers, 02 6628 8120, or email info@artsnorthernrivers.com.au.