Grant backs art network

A NEW network for multicultural artists and workers is set to be developed in Bendigo.

Multicultural Arts Victoria will establish the Out of the Box Intercultural Regional Arts Network with a $125,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Regional Arts Fund Recovery Boost program.

The network will connect Bendigo artists with their peers in Shepparton and online, while a cultural facilitator will work specifically with digital creatives.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the money “will provide opportunities for artists and arts workers… to develop new work, strengthen partnerships, build sustainable networks and develop cross-border relationships.”

The grants will provide project organisers with up to three years of financial support, with the funding program developed to assist the regional arts sector in their COVID-19 recovery efforts.

The program was delivered throughout the state by Regional Arts Victoria.

RAV CEO Joe Toohey said, “We asked applicants to the Renewal Program to consider what role creativity might play in the longer-term recovery of their communities.

“The five successful projects are a clear demonstration of this ambition, and I congratulate them all for their leadership.

“It is exciting to see the breadth of locally focused, strategic initiatives that will be taking place over the next three years.

“Creatives and communities from Mildura to Warrnambool and across to Lake Tyers Beach will be supported to rebuild following the impacts of COVID-19.”

MAV were one of five successful Victorian Boost Renewal Grant applicants recently announced, with almost $625,000 in total awarded to projects in Mildura, Horsham, Warrnambool and Lake Tyers Beach in East Gippsland from the $10 million RAF Recovery Boost program.