Over $300K boosted into creative relief and recovery projects in WA
Regional Arts WA
Regional Arts WA has so far invested $303,874 into the creative ecosystem in Western Australia (WA) through the Recovery Boost – a one-off targeted investment provided by the Australian Government through Regional Arts Australia.
The Recovery Boost is a nation-wide funding initiative that was announced last year to support creative industries across regional, rural, and remote Australia, recognising arts and culture activities are vital in the recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
The injection of 26 creative Relief and Recovery projects into the creative ecosystem across regional WA; from the Kimberley to the Great Southern, will increase community accessibility of arts and culture activities, and boost job opportunities and professional development for artists working in the community space whilst creating connection and conversation in the regions.
Perentie Lizard Mural, IGA Exmouth, by Tiffany Clitheroe. Image by Tiffany Clitheroe.
Regional Arts WA CEO Paul MacPhail says the Australian Government’s commitment to the Regional Arts Fund Boost has meant regional communities were able to respond more quickly to community needs and recover from COVID-19 disruptions.
“The Recovery Boost through the Regional Arts Fund was delivered quickly into the regions last year as a response to COVID-19 and, as a result, artists and creative communities were able to bounce back from the downturn much faster while boosting the Australian economy as well.
It is exciting to see artists, creative organisations, and arts workers embracing new ways of working and adopting new technologies to overcome the impacts of COVID-19 and continue to connect their communities through arts and culture opportunities.
A current opportunity supported through the Recovery Boost is the Annual Event funding program, which will support regional organisations delivering an event that encourages community participation and audience engagement in regional and remote communities over the next 3 years. It’s another way the Australian Government is supporting the regions during this uncertain time.”
The RAF Annual Event program is open now and closes 11 March 2021.
The Regional Arts Fund is one way the Australian Government supports regional artists and arts organisations to develop their artistic practice and produce works and experiences to benefit their local communities. The Regional Arts Fund is administered on behalf of the Australian Government by Regional Arts Australia and organisations in each state and territory which includes Regional Arts WA.
