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NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin has announced new programs to back venues and artists in Western Sydney and regional population centres.

The Making Spaces Fund, now in its second year, encourages property owners to partner with arts, screen and cultural organisations to activate spaces and create vibrant and liveable communities. Up to 10 new projects will share in $500,000 (up to $50,000 each).

Funding is also available through the Strategic Opportunities Fund, which targets strategic projects outside of existing arts programs to allow organisations to embed arts in the everyday and increase participation. Up to six projects will share in $300,000 (up to $50,000 each).

The new Emerging Organisations Program supports emerging Western Sydney arts, screen and culture groups in developing sustainable business models and setting them up for long term success. Up to four organisations will share in $200,000 (up to $50,000 each).

Introducing this funding, Minister Harwin explained “these programs will be hugely valuable in supporting new opportunities for emerging artists and organisations across the Western Sydney region.

“I’ve seen first-hand the depth of talent in Western Sydney arts, screen and culture – this funding will help drive forward artistic endeavour in the west.”

Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres confirmed that the NSW Government is committing millions of dollars to support arts and culture across Western Sydney, some $7.5 million dedicated to local arts organisations.

Minister Ayres added “the NSW Government is making significant investments in the cultural infrastructure and artistic programs which bring the community together and showcase the talents of new and emerging artists.”

In addition, the Creative Capital Fund is intended to back cultural infrastructure in Newcastle, Wollongong and Metropolitan and Western Sydney.

The Fund will go to 14 venues and is designed to support smaller-scale capital infrastructure across arts, screen and cultural venues.

Matched funding of up to $60,000 is available to improve venues, repair and conserve collections or to purchase new equipment to improve the usability of arts and cultural facilities.

Minister Harwin added “from new kilns in Newcastle to the creation of purpose-built performance and storage spaces in St George and Penrith, I am delighted with the variety of needs this fund caters for.

“Each of our recipients provides a valuable arts offering and service within their local community and it is very important that we support these.

“These changes will boost capacity and public engagement across our creative hubs and bring benefits for employment, regeneration and tourism.

“I am really happy that we are in a position to be able to fund programs such as these that give support to organisations large and small.”

Image: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre.

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