Eleven creative endeavours have been successfully funded through the Arts North West Micro Grants program. Due to COVID 19, cutbacks were made on normal spending, giving Arts North West the opportunity to offer the funding to the New England North West region.
The turnaround time for applications was relatively tight, but the New England North West responded promptly, submitting numerous applications, for an array of creative projects and ideas.
“These are very unusual times for all of us in the New England North West and we really understand the difficulties faced by the arts and cultural communities in our region” said Arts North West Executive Director, Caroline Downer. “We are absolutely thrilled at the response to the new initiative and it just goes to show that despite the current challenges faced by the sector, arts and culture is still very much alive and pumping in the New England North West ” Ms Downer continued.
The successful applicants are as follows:
Natasha Soonchild, Nundle
To research and develop an at-home sewing kit which would provide materials and instructions to produce a unique soft sculpture. This would be sold through website and utilise recycled textiles.
Sarah Leete, Baan Baa
To take practice online and compete in the ‘virtual world’. To connect with her audience and stay relevant on social media.
Alex Robson, Inverell
To run an online workshop series on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The workshops would be open to university students, and high school students in Year 11 and 12.
Stephanie Marshall, Inverell
To roll out collaborative UnstopAbility performance sessions online through the Zoom Pro platform.
Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre, Moree
To assist two Aboriginal artists and cultural knowledge holders, Chris Roberts and Dorothy Tighe, to adapt to self-isolation whilst also supporting their communities through creative projects.
Leah Bullen, Armidale
To undertake an at home residency and record the environment and activities of my family home.
Walcha Handmade, Walcha
Online art lessons aimed at children.
Alan Buchan, Tamworth
To record and release a song in support of the heroes who have been overlooked during the COVID19 crisis.
NERAM, Armidale
To offer a NERAM (from home) 5-week Artist Residency.
Fiona Macdonald, Armidale
To undertake a home-based residency experimenting with new drawing techniques.
Helena Pastor, Armidale
To produce quality digital recordings to share with the New England community and further afield.
The Arts North West Microgrants were designed to support the continuation of locally determined community arts and cultural practice in uncertain times, this funding aims to be as flexible as possible. Projects do not require a specific outcome but can focus on skills development or capacity-building.
For more information, contact Caroline Downer via rado@artsnw.com.au
