FUNDING FOR LOCAL ART PROJECTS
July 19, 2012
Briagolong’s Foothills Music Committee has received $15,000 from the Federal Government for a youth arts program of workshops and performances.
The ‘Up Beat Youth Fest’ will showcase a range of dance and music styles to primary schools in Boisdale and Briagolong as well as secondary schools in Sale and Maffra from September 17 to September 21, this year. The program will also coincide with the Foothills Family Music Festival which is being held over three days from September 21 to September 23.
The grant is being delivered through the Regional Arts Fund which supports arts in regional and remote Australia.
Foothills Music President Garry Rose said the committee was really excited about the opportunity that the Regional Arts Fund grant was providing.
He said the workshops are designed to inspire young people, help them to develop new skills and encourage participation in the Foothills Family Music Festival.
“We tried to have more workshops for young people at our last festival in 2010, which was great, but we realised we needed more to really hit the mark with local teenagers,” Mr Rose said.
“The artists who are coming from Melbourne to do a week long residency across the schools leading up to the festival are the best in their field, so it’s sure to provide a unique opportunity and help engage more young people in our festival.”
Mr Rose also said local dance teacher Bianca Humphryis will be working alongside and being mentored by the Melbourne dance artists throughout the project.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Regional Arts Fund was a valuable resource for local groups.
“Gippsland is home to a range of quality artists across all mediums,” Mr Chester said.
“The funding helps these artists to get the next generation of young people from across the region interested and participating in art.”
A further $1500 has been awarded through a Quick Response Grant to support the ‘Department of Common Sense’ project developed by Daniel Waters, also from Briagolong.
The Department of Common Sense project will run from July 14 to August 12 and will see a series of speakers, demonstrations and workshops connected to a themed exhibition exploring the benefits of art activities in relation to health and wellbeing.
Mr Chester has encouraged artistic groups or organisations in Gippsland to apply to the Regional Arts Fund to continue providing new opportunities to the region.
For more information on the Regional Arts Fund log on to www.rav.net.au/funding-and-resources/fund
