$3.1M FOR CULTURE IN COOTAMUNDRA PLUS$47M MORE FOR ARTS AND CULTURE IN REGIONAL NSW
Thursday, 14 June 2018
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro today announced more than $3.1 million in funding to develop a new arts and culture space and a roving gallery in Cootamundra through round one of the NSW Government’s new Regional Cultural Fund.
Mr Barilaro announced the grant in Young today where he also confirmed a further $47 million for a second round of the Regional Cultural Fund to boost arts and culture in regional NSW.
“Having grown up and raised a family in a regional area, I know our regional towns and cities have so much to offer in the arts and culture space and this $3.1 million investment in the Cootamundra electorate will make their arts and culture offering thrive,” Mr Barilaro said.
This $3 million project in Young will include a state-of-the-art centre to provide students from Young High School and community members with a library, arts workshop, exhibition and wellbeing space, as well as a place to learn about Wiradjuri Aboriginal culture.
The project will be led by Hilltops Council in partnership with School Infrastructure NSW.
Mr Barilaro said a further $142,715 will allow the creation of MOVE – the Museum of Vast Exchange – a fully relocatable, self-contained, climate controlled exhibition venue that will be engaged for international tours, biennales, art fairs and displays at festivals.
“These inventive projects will give locals and visitors a fresh experience, boost tourism dollars, create jobs and act as a community focal point,” Mr Barilaro said.
“That’s why we are announcing $47 million for a second round of funding to help unlock more opportunities like this for regional communities across the state,” he said.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated everyone involved in helping secure the funding win.
“These two projects will fill a gap in the Hilltops community and have a flow-on effect, delivering educational and economic benefits for towns from Young to Harden,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s a great time for our Coota – just last fortnight we announced nearly $48,000 for the Athenium Theatre, our old ‘jewel’ in Junee, and the $3.1 million invested today will deliver another layer of great projects in the area.
“I am confident the community will take full advantage of these exciting new resources,” she said.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin acknowledged the rich history of arts and culture in regional NSW and ensured that the NSW Government will continue to nurture this while creating new opportunities for tomorrow’s talent.
“These two projects will help the regions share the very best of artistic and cultural experiences and this new $47 million commitment will support many more projects like this.
“We encourage those who missed out the first time around to take the second chance and apply for funding in the new round.”
Round two of the Regional Cultural Fund opens 1 July 2018.
For more information, see the website.
