Boost Renewal Grants have been awarded in Victoria to five applicants, receiving $624,650 in funding through the Australian Government’s highly competitive Regional Arts Fund Recovery Boost, delivered in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria. These Renewal grants will provide up to three years of funding to support regional communities that have strong partnerships and demonstrated long term outcomes, with a sustainable future-positioning focus.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Morrison Government’s investment in the long-term development and sustainability of regional arts is crucial for the recovery of Victoria’s cultural and creative sector.
“We understand the extreme disruption to the arts and cultural sector in Victoria from the pandemic, which is why the Government acted quickly to introduce our $10 million targeted measure, as part of the Relief and Recovery Fund,” Minister Fletcher said.
“I am pleased to see these five projects receive $624,650, which will provide opportunities for artists and arts workers, including those in regional communities, to develop new work, strengthen partnerships, build sustainable networks and develop cross-border relationships.”
CEO of Regional Arts Victoria, Joe Toohey said that this funding has been an important step in the recovery process for many regional communities.
“We asked applicants to the Renewal Program to consider what role creativity might play in the longer-term recovery of their communities. The five successful projects are a clear demonstration of this ambition, and I congratulate them all for their leadership.
It is exciting to see the breadth of locally focused, strategic initiatives that will be taking place over the next three years. Creatives and communities from Mildura to Warrnambool and across to Lake Tyers Beach will be supported to rebuild following the impacts of COVID-19.”
Please view the full list of all recipients and project descriptions.
The Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund Recovery Boost is a $10 million targeted measure announced by the Australian Government in 2020 as part of the Relief and Recovery Fund. It responds to the difficulties experienced by regional artists, arts organisations and communities who have been heavily impacted by COVID-19. The fund meets the strategic priorities of supporting participation in and access to the arts and encouraging greater private sector support for the arts. The Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund is provided through Regional Arts Australia. In Victoria, the Regional Arts Fund is administered by Regional Arts Victoria according to the objectives and general eligibility determined by the Australian Government.
Information regarding upcoming rounds will be made available via rav.net.au.
For more information on Renewal funded applicants, please contact:
Rhiannon Poley
Partnerships Communications Coordinator
Regional Arts Victoria
rpoley@rav.net.au | 0484 359 826
Image: 2020, St Joseph’s PS Mural Painting 2 by Chris Henderson