The future of the arts in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven has received a welcome shot-in-the-arm with the establishment of the South Coast Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO).
Kiama Council has joined Shellharbour and Shoalhaven as founding members of the South Coast RADO, as well as providing funding to get the organisation up-and-running.
The South Coast is the latest of 15 RADOs set up by Create NSW, which provide fulltime professional services to local artists, support council cultural policies, access new funding opportunities and broker partnerships and networking opportunities.
Priorities for the South Coast RADO include:
- First Nations arts and culture
- Strengthening the identity of the South Coast through arts & culture
- Professionalisation and elevation of the arts
- Services and resources
The establishment of the South Coast RADO follows extensive consultations by Create NSW with local artists and arts organisations, as well as councils.
Create NSW has established a board with Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma representing Kiama Council.
Next steps include establishing an office and recruiting staff.
Photo: CEO Jane Stroud with Marla Guppy (Chair South Coast Arts), Mayor Neil Reilly and Regina Heilmann (Sth Coast Arts)
Photo: Marla Guppy (South Coast RADO Chair) and Mayor Neil Reilly sign the Memorandum of Understanding between Kiama Council and South Coast RADO
