Grants Help Curtain Rise on Arts

Seven local groups are to share nearly $40,000 in arts and cultural grants from Council that will bring new and exciting events, activities and learning opportunities to the Coffs Coast community.

Council annually offers grants from $2,000 to $7,000 through its Arts and Cultural Development Grants program to help support the implementation of the ‘Creative Coffs – Cultural Strategic Plan 2017-2022’.

“Every year I’m surprised and delighted by the variety of projects that come forward. It’s always a delight to be able to support the arts,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight. “This year is no exception and I am looking forward to seeing the curtain rise on some of the events the organisers have planned.”

The 2020/21 grants are being awarded to:

The projects include a program delivering music therapy to a range of senior clients of the Mid North Coast Local Health District’s Carers Program in the Coffs Harbour local government area, a community art project to create two mosaic murals for Boambee East Community Centre and a project by Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF) to work with three established local artists to produce original artworks which will be showcased throughout SWIFF 2021.

An ambitious artist-led, collaborative, multidisciplinary art, science and community project exploring ‘place’ with particular reference to the effects of climate and urbanization on a coastal ecosystem is also on the list, as is a program of concerts targeting groups most affected by the COVID-19 Lockdown such as the less mobile senior citizens and young children.

The Coffs Harbour Music Society will also be bringing singer-songwriter Lior and the Tinalley String Quartet to Coffs Harbour in 2021 to give two masterclasses for music students from local schools and the Coffs Harbour Conservatorium of Music.

Last, but not least, is Andy’s Chest – a pilot initiative that aims to promote an ongoing selection of fresh, fun, accessible and quality live music events in the Coffs area. Each event will draw audiences into non-conventional venues, where a range of musicians of local and national significance will perform live, providing unique cultural experiences for the community.