Regional Arts Support in Times of Crisis
The Regional Arts Network of NSW has remained committed to providing support to the arts and cultural sector by delivering strategic responses to the COVID-19 crisis. Consisting of 14 Regional Arts Development organisations, this passionate network supported by Regional Arts NSW has continued to champion arts and culture in their regions by providing support, programs and projects to those who live, work and create across regional NSW.
Across the state, each organisation provides strategic direction for sustainable arts and cultural development in regions spanning from the north-eastern pocket of the Northern Rivers to the far-western edge of The Darling, along the banks of The Murray River, across the sweeping plains of The Riverina and everywhere in-between. When the creative industries were hit hard during the pandemic, the network continued to work behind home doors to adapt their services and continue to deliver innovative projects to support the arts and creative industries across the state.
The network has initiated new programs including their own quick response funding support streams. These opportunities have provided a simple and accessible method for those severely impacted by COVID-19 to secure funds to support their creative practice through this crisis. Elizabeth Rogers, CEO for Regional Arts NSW, said:
The network has taken a leading role in collecting data from artists, creatives and arts organisations regarding the impacts from the crisis and has fed this information to lead agencies such as Create NSW, Regional Arts NSW, Regional Arts Australia and the Australian Government. The data has been used by these leading agencies to develop a response and support package for the sector, notably the three strands of the Regional Arts Fund Boost program from the Australian Government that contain significant additional support for regional artists and arts organisations impacted by COVID-19. Applications for the Regional Arts Fund are now open at regionalartsnsw.com.au/grants.
The Arts Northern Rivers team has delivered targeted assistance and support to the Northern Rivers community in response to the devastating impacts COVID-19 is having on the regional arts and creative industries sector. Arts Northern Rivers Executive Director, Peter Wood, explains:
For more information on the Regional Arts Development Network and sustainable arts and cultural developments across regional NSW visit regionalartsnsw.com.au/networks.
Artwork by Micro-Grants recipient Cara MacLeod, Hotel Neuhaus, 2011. Self adhesive vinyl on MDF board.
Image courtesy and copyright the artist.