More than $2.6 million has been awarded to 62 arts and cultural projects across the State through the Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program.
Creative Communities provides funding for projects that engage communities and are delivered in partnership with artists and either a local government, local school, or not-for-profit community organisations.
The program aims to engage children and their families, and young people in communities who are experiencing high levels of social, health or economic impacts due to COVID-19, have limited access to the arts or reflect the diversity of the State.
Grants up to $80,000 are available now through the Collaboration category. The Residency category is open year-round for applications up to $30,000.
The Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation received $79,315 to work with local artists in Roebourne to build young people’s skills in performance, such as acting, dance and circus. The project is delivered with Roebourne District High School and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation.
Sporting organisation BridgePro received $29,220 to partner with the Centre for Stories and local artist Sisonke Olowoyo to support storytelling workshops with African elders and young people. It will also support skill-development sessions in basketball at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre.
The Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program is supported by Lotterywest and delivered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
For more information on the program including the list of successful projects visit https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/arts-funding/creative-communities-covid-19-recovery-program
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“The Creative Communities program provides vital support to increase participation in, access to, and connection with arts and culture activities for Western Australian communities.
“I encourage you to apply to this program to see how it can provide positive outcomes for your community.
“The intrinsic value of creating art is what makes it a powerful engagement tool to help tackle the complex social, environmental, and economic issues that affect community wellbeing.
“The impact on arts and culture due to the disruption of the pandemic has taken away critical avenues for people to connect with each other, their culture, and their community. This program helps to alleviate these issues by fostering creativity and innovation.
“Importantly, Creative Communities also increases employment opportunities for artists and creative practitioners in Western Australia.
“These funded projects will help to tell Western Australian stories and ensure an enduring legacy of arts engagement in the community.”
