The Arts Recovery Quick Response Fund continues to promote healing in bushfire affected areas, with $24,900 in grants announced today by Arts Minister Lynne Kosky.
“The Arts Recovery Quick Response Fund has proven invaluable in supporting artists and communities to make sense of the bushfire tragedy and to establish projects that assist in the recovery process,” Ms Kosky said.
“In total, the latest round supports 11 different arts recovery projects across a range of artforms from filmmaking to choir development, drumming to school-based music workshops, mural painting and spoken word.”
The Arts Recovery Quick Response Fund provides grants of up to $2,500 to support local artists working in their communities on projects that contribute to the recovery effort.
Since the fund was launched in April, it has provided $68,900 in funding to support 38 diverse arts projects in bushfire affected areas.
Ms Kosky said the Brumby Labor Government injected an extra $50,000 into the fund in August, extending it into the new year, because the response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad agreed that the fund has had a dramatic impact on the local community.
"Artists and communities have reported that these projects have played a powerful role in community strengthening, and that there are so many more ideas out there for future projects."
Ms Broad said the latest round of grants will support the North East Catchment Management Authority which will receive $2,500 to produce a multimedia documentary that captures the way three local Indigenous artists’ in Mudgegonga have responded to their country following the bushfires.
“Rebuilding a community is not just about bricks and mortar, these arts projects are small but significant ways in which we can help to rebuild the spirit of the community.”
“I encourage artists and communities with arts recovery projects to apply to the Fund,” Ms Broad said.
Applications close on the first of each month until the 1st February 2010. The next round closes on the 1st of December.
The Arts Recovery Quick Response Program is funded by the Brumby Labor Government and managed by Regional Arts Victoria.
For program guidelines and application forms contact Joe Toohey at Regional Arts Victoria on (03) 9644 1800, email jtoohey@rav.net.au or visit www.rav.net.au