Arts North West is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Country Arts Support Program (CASP) grants! This amazing initiative, funded by Create NSW and managed by Regional Arts Development Organisations, provides grants of up to $3,000 to individuals, arts community groups, and arts organisations in the New England North West to boost their creative projects.
This year, a diverse array of projects have been selected. In Tamworth, ceramic artist Shannon Garson will lead a workshop focusing on porcelain decoration techniques inspired by nature, offering participants a chance to enhance their skills and creative vision.
Narrabri Shire’s own singer/songwriter Sarah Leete will create a theme song for Michèle Jedlicka’s independent film “Not Born Yesterday,” capturing the voices and stories of women over 60 in New England/North West NSW, reflecting on aging through the lens of a female director.
In Gunnedah, rural primary-aged students will enjoy after school art classes at the PCYC, exploring imagination, sustainable art practices, and emotional well-being every Monday during term time with the wonderful Cat Long.
Deepwater will host two mosaic workshops where participants will create beautiful artworks using recycled materials. These workshops promise to be a hands-on, creative experience for all involved.
In Walcha, Fiona Barden’s initiative will feature quarterly Sunday trading days and regular day tours, including boutique shopping, gallery openings, and art/craft lessons, bringing vibrancy and artistic experiences to the community.
Alana Blackburn is set to develop a series of local narratives, engaging local authors to work towards engaging local composers to create and present this piece around the New England NW region.
Uralla will see the development of a new park dedicated to the mathematician Fibonacci. This innovative project includes the design and construction of a picnic table and seating based on Fibonacci’s geometric principles lead by Uralla Arts.
Finally, the New England Writers Centre, led by Sophie Masson, will provide opportunities for local writers and illustrators to a publisher through the ‘Pitch to Publisher’ Workshop.
“These projects are a testament to the incredible creativity and passion within our community,” said Lauren Mackley, Executive Director of Arts Northwest. “We’re proud to support such diverse and inspiring initiatives that will bring so much to the New England Northwest.”
