The Hawkesbury art community has been encouraged to start thinking about new opportunities to create local art working spaces ahead of a new NSW Government program opening in 2017.
The $350,000 Making Spaces program will provide the Western Sydney community with the opportunity to access grants of up to $60,000 each over two years to activate work spaces for artists.
Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet said our area was renowned for artistic talent and hopes the community takes advantage of the new funding scheme.
“The NSW Government is committed to investing in Western Sydney’s art and culture sector to ensure it continues to grow,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I’m proud the NSW Government is creating innovative programs to foster local art talent.
“I urge our art groups, council, community organisations and Aboriginal Land Council to consider spaces that can be activated to make ideal working areas for local artists.”
Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the program has been established to assist local artists in accessing new facilities in their communities and encourage partnerships to develop new spaces including pop ups, studios and offices.
“I want Western Sydney artists to embrace this new opportunity and start thinking about new and old spaces that can be transformed into ideal and innovative work zones,” Mr Grant said.
“This funding can transform unused local council, art collective or community spaces such as shopping centres and vacant offices into a fantastic facility for local artists to use.
“This new program will support locally-driven artist-run initiatives and cement the suburbs of Western Sydney as a creative hub.”
The NSW Government has committed $7.5 million over four years to boost Western Sydney arts and cultural opportunities and support local artists and arts organisations.
Further information including application guidelines will be made available at www.arts.nsw.gov.au in January.
