FEDERAL Member for Wright Scott Buchholz has encouraged regional artists and organisations to apply for funding through the Festivals Australia program.
Applications are open from February 20, 2017 to March 24, 2017 and activities can include but are not limited to a parade, performance, workshop, installation or exhibition.
Mr Buchholz said it was a good opportunity to boost community engagement with the arts.
“There are so many vibrant arts and culture communities across the electorate of Wright – in the Lockyer Valley, the Scenic Rim, the Gold Coast Hinterland and Logan Country – and I'd love to see some of this Festivals Australia money going towards projects in those areas,” he said.
“Festivals Australia funds high-quality arts and cultural heritage projects which invite community participation and audience engagement, and the aim is to give communities in regional parts of Australia – communities like ours – the chance to participate in or attend an arts experience at a festival, or a significant one-off community celebration.
“I strongly any eligible artists or groups who think they've got what it takes to put in an application and do our region proud.”
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- be an Australian incorporated organisation[1]
- have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST), if required by the Australian Tax Office, and
- not have any outstanding reports, acquittals or serious breaches relating to any Commonwealth funding.
Arts Australia provides about $1.2 million each year for high quality arts and cultural projects in regional and remote Australia that support community participation and audience engagement.
Mr Buchholz said the program was part of the government’s commitment to improving access to arts and cultural events for people living in regional and remote Australia.
“Arts and cultural activities are an important way to bring communities together, celebrate diversity and promote a sense of community identity,”
“This program helps organisations to deliver events in regional and remote areas and encourages community participation in arts projects outside of major cities.”
This competitive grant round is one of two funding rounds available each year through the Department of Communications and the Arts.
For more information or to apply, visit arts.gov.au/festivals
