Arts Upper Hunter is thrilled to announce recipients of Country Arts Support Program (CASP) and Micro Grants for 2026. Arts Upper Hunter’s small grants provide a great opportunity to community groups, individuals and businesses across the Upper Hunter Region to develop a program, event, exhibition, performance, workshop, career opportunity or experience.
“This year there’s a surprising emphasis on textile arts, quilting and fashion,” according to Arts Upper Hunter’s John O’Brien.
“The panel was pleased that there were successful applications from all four of our Local Government Areas and a couple of new applicants in there too.” O’Brien added, “We were a little short with our funds this year – we topped up the funding from Create NSW with $660 raised during AusArt Day and another $850 from our reserves. The benefits of these little grants are so great, it’s worth putting the extra in when we can.”
CASP Grants: up to $3,000
Art of Puppetry for Murrurundi Festival ($2,355).
At the inaugural Murrurundi Festival on 27-29 March 2026, the opening performance will be Little Wing Puppets production “A Little Bit of Blue” followed by a puppet-making workshop. All district schools are invited: Murrurundi, Blandford, Belltrees, Ellerston & Willow Tree.
Defashion Dungog 2026 – Rewear, Repair, Regrow for Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub ($3,000).
This arts and science event will happen in Dungog, April-August 2026. Featuring a sustainable wearable catwalk, performances, workshops, and town displays, it invites an intergenerational community to explore fashion, ecology, and creativity.
The Fabric Of Life for Sandy Hollow Progress Association ($3,000).
A community quilting workshop and exhibition to be held during the Sandy Hollow Motor Fest in August. It will engage seniors, carers, women, and socially isolated individuals from Sandy Hollow and nearby areas, fostering creativity, connection, and wellbeing while celebrating local artistry, enhancing community pride through inclusive cultural participation.
The Famous Paterson River Oranges for Paterson Community Builders ($3,000).
A community history and art project in partnership with Paterson Historical Society, celebrating the town’s citrus heritage through creative installations and storytelling in Paterson throughout 2026.
Song Flow – Unlock your creativity one lyric at a time for Singleton Library ($2,500).
Facilitated by independent country artist Saralyn, this one-day immersive songwriting workshop on 9 May 2026 will give participants of all levels the tools and confidence to craft songs from the heart. Participants will explore songwriting from multiple angles—lyrical, melodic, structural, and emotional.
Micro Grants: up to $1,000
Awakening for Elizabeth Birch ($650).
A tutor-led quilting class and follow-up class to be held at Scone Arts & Crafts, targeting people who have unfinished quilts among others, with finished work showcased at the Upper Hunter Quilt Adventure in October 2026.
Bands In Concert for Singleton Town Band ($1,000).
Supporting their end-of-year celebration held each November in Singleton. Drawing participants and attendees of all ages, showcasing local talent and fostering community pride and enriching our local arts landscape. This year the combined schools bands will be a key focus.
Historical Rescue for Murrurundi Historical Society ($1,000).
Clipping, scanning and digitising newspaper and family records into a new computer and scanner.
Lateral Thinking for Janet Steele ($1,000)
Two-way benefits of textile artist Janet Steele working with The Embroiderers Guild’s group The Laterals to bring fresh ideas to one another. Followed with workshops and friendship groups bringing new skills to Gresford Community Gallery.
Preserving People Of Our Past for Dungog Historical Society ($1,000)
Celebrating the people through the history of Dungog and the Surrounding Area, from when it was first settled, showcasing those who created our history and then onto those who have taken Dungog to the world. In room 2 from November 2026.
Image: Funded by a CASP grant in 2024, Musica Viva duo including synaesthetic oboist Celia Craig and guitarist Caspar Hawksley introducing MSPS kids to a captivating bunch of concepts. Courtesy Musica Viva.
And our much appreciated donors!
