The NSW Government is investing more than $5 million in the state's arts and cultural sector through Round 1 of Create NSW's 2020/21 Arts and Cultural Funding Program.
Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin announced 97 recipients throughout NSW will share in $5.045 million funding to deliver arts and cultural activity, with nearly 60 per cent of funded activity occurring in Western Sydney and Regional NSW.
Mr Harwin said the funding will support projects that are key to the state's cultural life and contribute to a thriving and connected arts and cultural sector.
"This funding will support programs and projects estimated to employ over 6000 artists and reach more than 1.4 million people across the state. We know the people of NSW want to return to theatres, galleries and festivals and to show their support for the sector after such a challenging year.
"Arts and cultural organisations and individual artists in regional NSW will benefit from more than $1.7 million in funding as the NSW Government continues to show its commitment to supporting the recovery of local communities.
"Round 1 also includes more than $535,000 for projects and programs that are Aboriginal-led or have a significant focus on First Nations content, including support for Sunshine Super Girl - The Evonne Goolagong Story by Andrea James to take the stage at this year's All-Australian Sydney Festival, and funding for a new public program at the Armidale Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place.
"The new Artform Advisory Boards have made recommendations that reflect the strength and diversity of NSW's arts and cultural life, with programs set to boost engagement and employment opportunities across the state," said Mr Harwin.
A full list of Round 1 recipients is available online. All applications were assessed against published criteria and ranked in order of merit by the Artform Advisory Boards.
Round 2 of Create NSW's 2020/21 Creative Koori, Project and Annual Organisation funding will open on 1 February 2021. For further information on arts, screen and cultural funding, including targeted support opportunities, visit the Create NSW website.
