Arts and culture across the MidCoast will get a boost over the next few years as a direct result of new initiatives announced by MidCoast Council today.
"A thriving arts community is essential for our local area – arts and culture enhance all of our lives. That's why I am proud to announce that MidCoast Council is changing its delivery model to support local artists and the cultural community," said MidCoast Mayor, Claire Pontin.
These initiatives include:
- Establishing an Arts and Cultural Advisory Group to more effectively engage with local arts and culture groups and individuals.
- Establishing a new local Arts Grant to assist local arts groups and individuals stage public events.
- Creating a page on the MidCoast Council Website for arts support which has several links and directs artists to funding options.
- Utilising existing events diaries to actively promote local arts and culture events.
- Promoting the listings on the Arts and Creatives section of the "MidCoast My Community Directory" Arts and Creatives - MidCoast Community Directory (www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au).
This is in addition to the support Council currently provides to artists through its arts and cultural programs at the Manning Regional Art Gallery and Manning Entertainment Centre and through its events sponsorship program (www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Community/Community-support-and-statistics/Grants-and-funding).
As a result of this increased commitment, Council has decided to withdraw its membership of Arts Mid North Coast so as to be better able to support the arts locally.
Council is also continuing to engage with arts and cultural organisations, including Regional Arts NSW and Create NSW, for the purpose of supporting artists and cultural events in the region.
"We're really excited about the new direction we're taking to support the arts in the MidCoast," said MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin.
"We know that by strengthening our region's creatives, we're also helping to invigorate the local economy as well as improve the lifestyle of our residents and the experience of our visitors."
In line with its Cultural Plan, Council is planning other initiatives to support the arts in the MidCoast, with further announcements planned for 2023.
