Local groups and organisations are encouraged to enhance their musical, cultural, and artistic endeavours by applying for a Parkes Shire Council Cultural Grant.
The aim of Council's cultural grants program is to encourage and support the development of local community organisations, services and strategies which make a positive contribution to the community and cultural life of the Shire.
Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services, Kerryn Jones said "Council recognises the importance of a culturally rich and vibrant community. By fostering the development of skills, talents and abilities at a local level and enhancing cultural facilities and infrastructure, these grants support creative and innovative cultural activity throughout our shire."
"The grants can be utilised in a variety of ways, including to develop a new project, extension or enhancement of an existing project, purchase of equipment, or minor capital works," said Kerryn.
In 2020, three community cultural projects were successful in their application for funding, including:
- Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society - to host an Arts Revival Festival
- Peak Hill Leisure Art & Craft Council - to host a 2-day art workshop
- Parkes Potters Group - to support their 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Parkes Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Barbara Newton said, "The Arts Revival Festival which commenced in December 2020, showcased a wide variety of artists and artistic mediums from the Parkes Shire.
"The aim of the festival was to revive, celebrate and foster artistic activity in our local community. Unfortunately, due to significant storm damage to the Parkes Library & Cultural Centre, the exhibition was closed early.
"During the two weeks the exhibition was open, it had been extremely successful, with almost 400 people in attendance, and the sale of thirteen artworks. The festival itself attracted over 600 people to a range of events in the Library and Cultural Centre and Little Theatre." said Cr Newton.
$10,000 has been allocated to this round of Cultural Grants and applications must request a minimum of $2,000 to be eligible for consideration.
"We look forward to seeing the applications under this round from a wide range of arts and cultural groups, and we encourage those thinking about applying to connect with our grants team for support in submitting your application."
The Cultural Grants application form is available on Council's website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au or hard copy versions can be requested from your local library or Council's administration centre. Applications close Friday 4 June 2021.
