FEDERAL Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for the Arts, Senator Mitch Fifield, that two art and cultural projects in the New England Electorate will share funding of more than $24,000.

 

Mr Joyce said the Australian Government’s support would provide $19,867 to the Tamworth Regional Gallery for its Changing Face of the Peel project.

 

He said the money would be used to illustrate how the use of the Peel River has changed over time.

 

“Six artists from various backgrounds, including Indigenous, will use various mediums to present interpretations of the Peel.

 

“This community-driven project will use augmented reality in exhibition spaces ? online and at location by the river ? to extend and expand the interpretation of the river,” he said.

 

The New England Writers Centre Inc., based in Armidale, will receive $4,550 for a project titled Pitch Perfect.

 

He said this project will involve a series of workshops aimed at developing the skills of participants in writing cover letters, synopses and presenting manuscripts in the best possible way.

 

“The workshops will culminate in delivering a pitch session with some of Australia's major publishers and agents,” he said.

 

 “The Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund creates valuable opportunities for participation and engagement in the arts for local artists, arts and cultural organisations and community members not just in the New England Electorate but across all of regional Australia.”

 

He said the Australian Government is committed to providing equal access to and participation in the arts by and for people across regional and remote Australia.

 

The announcement was part of more than $1.2 million for 85 arts and cultural projects announced across regional Australia, through the Regional Arts Fund.

 

 “This year there is an exciting range of projects, including music, theatre, dance, writing, visual arts, crafts, digital and screen media and community cultural development showcasing the diversity of creativity in our regions,” Minister Fifield said.

 

The Regional Arts Fund is funded by the Australian Government and delivered nationally by Regional Arts Australia through its member organisations. The Fund supports arts and cultural development projects in regional, remote and isolated communities across Australia.

 

Find out more about the Regional Arts Fund at: http://regionalarts.com.au/regional-arts-fund/