Nine local groups are to share just over $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’.

“The program is designed to support the enjoyment of Coffs Harbour’s rich cultural for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds – and every year the projects put forward are fantastically diverse and inclusive,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight. “I’d like to congratulate all the grant winners for their creativity and commitment to the arts locally.”

The 2021/22 grants are being awarded to:

Applicant or Auspice Project Title Creative Coffs Strategy Alignment Funding Requested Funding Recommended Gamumbi Early Childhood Education Centre (ECEC) Exploring Indigenous art in early childhood 3.5 Develop and implement innovative cultural education programs, with diverse/ intercultural and refugee communities, designed to increase community cultural participation and understanding. $2,500 $2,500 Coastal Claymakers Inc. Micro to Macro, Clay, Glaze and Public Art 5.2 Expand local arts practice and audience stimulation through long-term relationships with artists and arts companies from both inside and outside the local area. $6,863 $6,863 Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival Telling Stories – CH Schools program for BRWF 1.1 Engage both the community and visitors through continued development of innovative and dynamic cultural activities and programs. $5,000 $5,000 Friends of Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery White Bluff Science+Art Collaboration stage 4 4.6 Foster creative industries and cultural network(s) to encourage collaboration and build cultural capital. $7,000 $5,000 GenHealth Ukelele Art Attack 1.6 Work with service and education providers to develop programs which use the arts to improve health, in particular mental health and healthy ageing in the community. $3,535 $3,535 Woolgoolga Art Group Wheels in Motion 5.1 Partner and collaborate with organisations to drive and strengthen our cultural assets, programs and facilities. $2,100 $2,100 Coffs Harbour City Orchestra Musical Journeys 5.2 Expand local arts practice and audience stimulation through long-term relationships with artists and arts companies from both inside and outside the local area. $3,011 $3,011 Arts Mid North Coast, for Screenwave SWIFF presents Alon Ilsar 1.1 Engage both the community and visitors through continued development of innovative and dynamic cultural activities and programs. $7,000 $6,200 Toormina High School Toormina High School Street Art – Create Together 1.6 Work with service and education providers to develop programs which use the arts to improve health, in particular mental health and healthy ageing in the community. $5,975 $5,975 TOTAL $42,984 $40,184

Image – Martin Van Veluwen – White Bluff