Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has announced $150,000 in funding for Arts North West through the 2018-19 Indigenous Languages and Arts program funding round.

“It’s great to see the good work of Arts North West being recognised by the Federal Government with important funding for their Mapping and Celebrating Kamilaroi Country program here in the New England,” Mr Joyce said.

“The project will help tell stories from key Aboriginal sites in North West NSW through emerging Kamilaroi artists who will be mentored to develop works inspired by Country and culminate in public exhibitions across the region.

“We have a rich indigenous history in our region, so it’s important we help maintain those cultural links not only for the local Kamilaroi people but for future generations of all Australians.”

Arts North West Executive Director, Caroline Downer, said the film-making project will aim to focus on less well-known indigenous sites around the region.

“I think it’s a vital program for regional NSW,” Ms Downer said.

“It’s an opportunity to spend time on Country working with elders and artists to get their stories from around the North West.”   

Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield said:

“Arts and language play an essential role in the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities. These funds will help create Indigenous art and preserve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories for current and future generations.”

For more information about the program and to view the full list of funding recipients visit: www.arts.gov.au/ILA  

(ENDS)