The Tweed’s active community of artists and creatives are set to benefit following a 4-year agreement by Tweed Shire Council to rejoin the region’s peak arts body, Arts Northern Rivers (ANR).
Tweed will join Byron Shire, Lismore City, Richmond Valley, Kyogle and Clarence Valley councils and contribute $25,000 annually to ANR for the next 4 years.
In a move to promote the arts, foster artistic partnerships and ensure the delivery of projects supporting the creative industries, Council’s Manager of Tweed Holiday Parks and Cultural Facilities Andrew Illingworth approached ANR to renew the Tweed participation in the organisation’s programs.
“The Tweed is known for its vibrant arts sector, being home to many emerging, mid-career and established artists, musicians, writers, performers, designers and art workers,” Mr Illingworth said.
“Council has invested a significant amount of financial resources into the Shire’s cultural infrastructure. Rejoining ANR cements Council’s interests in the cultural sector and paves the way for future collaborations and exciting projects.”
The key benefit as a contributing council to ANR is access to the organisation’s network which works towards generating, promoting and advocating for the arts and creative industries in the Northern Rivers.
This aligns with Council’s strategic focus towards cultural tourism and its associated benefits fostering economic development in the Shire.
Through a region-wide connection, Council can benefit from access to potential funds for the region for its arts and cultural creative sectors that are not directly available to local governments.
Tweed artists will have access to ANR’s annual program of skills and professional development workshops and training opportunities, free advice, referrals, and importantly, assistance in preparing grant funding applications and the provision of letters of support for applications.
Council’s membership and contribution to ANR also offers artists free registration to Northern Rivers Creative – a directory featuring a range of categories including creative services, visual arts, design, Indigenous arts, literature, music, performance and screen.
Based in Lismore and committed to connecting with creatives across the Northern Rivers, ANR’s team of 5 staff, including a dedicated Indigenous Arts Development Officer who connects artists and cultural practitioners across the Bundjalung area of the North Coast.
Northern Rivers artist Andrew Cullen, who created Prickles, the iconic red, barbed wire teddy bear happily perched on the roof of the M|Arts Precinct in Murwillumbah, said the assistance, advice and support that Arts Northern Rivers offers to local creatives is vital through all stages of an artist’s career.
“Having ANR partner with our local councils is a critical tool in our development as a creative industry. I’m thankful to live in an area supported by ANR where these opportunities are offered and accessible to us,” Mr Cullen said.
Mr Illingworth said Council’s Cultural Planner, David Burgener, would be available to liaise with creatives, foster connections and work alongside ANR, as would the Tweed Regional Gallery and Tweed Regional Museum.
“I see this as a great opportunity for our creative community of the Tweed Shire,” Mr Illingworth said.
