Horsham Rural City Council is delighted that community arts group ACT Natimuk – which hosts The Natimuk Frinj festival – has been awarded State Government funding of $100,000 a year for the next four years.
The grant recognises the not-for-profit group as one of Victoria's principal regional arts organisations – one of only 17 regional recipients awarded under the Government's Creative Enterprises Program for 2026-2029.
ACT Natimuk was established in 1979 as Arapiles Community Theatre. Powered by a group of dedicated local artists, it presents a wide range of disciplines including dance, visual arts, aerial performance, new media, projection, film, and experimental work.
They are best known for staging one of the region's most spectacular and innovative festivals, the three-day Nati Frinj Biennale, which celebrates bold, experimental works and creative collaboration.
This year's program, from 31 October to 2 November, featured an astonishing 68 events, as well as 14 pieces of visual art and a curtain-raising street parade.
HRCC supported ACT Natimuk in its application with a Letter of Support.
"This grant is much-deserved recognition of one of our most exceptional community arts organisations," said Mayor Cr Brian Klowss.
"The team at ACT Natimuk have put Natimuk firmly on the cultural map, thanks to their passion and commitment to inspire and celebrate one of the greatest communities in the Wimmera.
"I can say that, because as a fifth-generation Nati boy, I know how the committee and volunteers at ACT Natimuk have worked so hard to showcase our creative talent and our deep community connection.
"I was immensely proud to represent Council at the official opening of this year's Nati Frinj Biennale.
"The festival is my home town's signature event, attracting visitors and artists from across the country. It is led by the fantastic team at ACT Natimuk, and its success is driven by the people of Natimuk – the community that can."
D'Arcy Molan, Chair ACT Natimuk, said he was "thrilled and appreciative" of the announcement about multi-year funding from Creative Victoria.
"This grant recognises the skill, creativity, impact, and community dedication ACT Natimuk has consistently demonstrated over a long period of time, and allows us to continue this work with our community," said Mr Molan.
"To present an event like Nati Frinj, a festival of statewide significance in scale, excellence, and experimentation, alongside a whole raft of other events and programming throughout the year from the small rural town of Natimuk is a fantastic achievement."
The Creative Enterprises Program provides two to four-year funding for organisations that show leadership in the creative industries and deliver significant social, economic and cultural benefits to the state.
Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, said ACT Natimuk was among a total of 81 recipients who played an integral part in the arts, "from creating and presenting new creative work and platforming local talent, to events that bring communities together".
