Audiences and creatives in the Upper Hunter will benefit from an increase to Arts Upper Hunter’s core funding as a result of a funding boost from the NSW Government. Through Create NSW the state government will invest over $3.4 million in the Regional Arts Network in 2021/22 that includes $200,000 per annum to each Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) across the state. That’s an increase from $168,000 in core operational funds in 2020/21.
One of those RADOs is Arts Upper Hunter. Says AUH Executive Director John O’Brien, “This is a great sign of the value that the state government puts on the creative industries in the bush. This extra funding will be put to a range of uses, including some employment, and a new round of our very popular Microgrants, for a start.”
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said, “We know that regional communities do well when they run their own show, and I am delighted the NSW Government is delivering an additional $32,000 per annum in core funding to each member of the Regional Arts Network. This funding uplift from the NSW Government is proof that we are serious about investing in our local talent.”
“Which is music to my ears,” says John O’Brien. “Local talent also means opportunities for local audiences, opportunities for excellence that doesn’t leave the area, and the chance for artists to move to the next stage of their career.”
The Regional Arts Network has been developed over the past 30 years with core funding from the NSW Government and through local Council support, to assist RADOs to inform and promote arts and cultural activity within the local community including opportunities for creative professionals in the regions.
To read the media release from Don Harwin MP, Minister for the Arts click here.
mage: Taken at the “Motown with the Groovehunters” concert at the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music. Photographer: Anna Rankmore.