Applications Open for Country Arts Support Program

Create NSW has announced applications for the Country Arts Support Program (CASP) 2021 are now open for regional NSW not for profit organisations and local collectives. Funding is available to support regional NSW community arts and cultural development through grants of up to $5,000, for projects including arts activities as part of community festivals or events, performances, exhibitions, workshops and other local arts initiatives.

Create NSW Executive Director, Chris Keely, said the annual program supports regional NSW arts and cultural activities by increasing opportunities for organisations to showcase a range of arts programs that focus on the community and create social benefits for the regions.

“Create NSW is committed to funding artistic development in our State’s regions and showcasing NSW’s diverse history and contemporary life through cultural expression. The program will support arts and cultural activities across the State and allow regional communities to explore and express their cultural identities through local arts projects, reinforcing that NSW is the engine-room of creativity.

Grants are available primarily for professional artists’ fees, travel and accommodation that will support a range of activities including workshops, artist-in-residence programs, public art and design projects, seminars and exhibitions. The fund is delivered in partnership with the Regional Arts NSW network of 14 Regional Arts Development Organisations.

Arts Northern Rivers Executive Director, Peter Wood, said the CASP program was an important opportunity for artist lead projects to engage with diverse communities across the region.

“The Northern Rivers is home to a rich and vibrant arts community, and we are pleased to be partnering with Create NSW to deliver this important opportunity for creatives and communities in our region.”

The program is designed to assist locally determined, regional NSW community arts and cultural activities that will lead to greater awareness and appreciation of cultural expression and diversity and increase the sustainability of regionally based community arts organisations.

Applications for the Country Arts Support Program 2021 close at 5pm on Tuesday the 29^th of September 2020 for projects to commence on the 1^st of January 2021. Applicants are required to speak with Arts Northern Rivers staff prior to submitting applications. The staff can be reached by phoning 02 6621 4433 or emailing info@artsnorthernrivers.com.au.