The City of Coffs Harbour has revealed the recipients for the 2023/2024 Arts and Cultural Development Grants Program – an initiative that supports and enriches the cultural life of the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area by providing financial assistance to artists and cultural groups.
Following a call for applications, the City received a total of 18 project proposals for a diverse range of arts and cultural activities. The grant assessment process was highly competitive, with applicants required to present well-planned projects supported by relevant materials in accordance with the Program guidelines.
“This Program plays a crucial role in nurturing partnerships between the City and community organisations so we can work together to enhance the cultural vibrancy of our region,” said Chris Chapman, Director City Planning & Communities at City of Coffs Harbour.
After careful deliberation, the assessment panel has recommended the allocation of $40,750 across 7 deserving projects:
Applicant | Project Title | Alignment with Cultural Strategic Plan | Funds Received |
Emerald Beach Fair Inc | Short Documentary Film on Emerald Beach | 1.1 Engage both the community and visitors through continued development of innovative and dynamic cultural activities and programs. | $7,000 |
Sawtell Art Group auspicing for Bay School of Creative Arts | Connecting Creatives and Community through Mentorship, Creative Practice, and Enhanced Resilience | 4.7 Advocate and support opportunities for education and training, both formal and peer to peer, in order to build capability in the cultural and creative sector in both arts practice and skills. | $7,000 |
Sawtell Catholic Care/ The Link | Music for The Ages – An Intergenerational Music Project | 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. | $4,400 |
Coffs Harbour Arts Council auspicing for ‘Walking Together’ Artists | ‘Walking Together’ Exhibition | 1.1 Engage both the community and visitors through continued development of innovative and dynamic cultural activities and programs. | $7,000 |
Auspicious Arts – auspicing for Fyreside Arts | Creative Industries Partnership | 4.6 Foster creative industries and cultural network(s) to encourage collaboration and build cultural capital. | $7,000 |
Coffs City Choir Incorporated | Foster the Enjoyment, Pleasure and Happiness that Music and Singing brings to our Community | 1.1 Engage both the community and visitors through continued development of innovative and dynamic cultural activities and programs. | $1,500 |
NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors | Women’s Connection to Culture through Music | 3.5 Develop and implement innovative cultural education programs, with diverse/ intercultural and refugee communities, designed to increase community cultural participation and understanding. | $6,850 |
TOTAL | $40,750 |
“I’m really excited to see these 7 projects get underway and add to the vibrant and creative lifestyle that we have in Coffs,” added Mr Chapman.
The projects eligible for funding must demonstrate significant artistic, cultural, and community benefits that can be clearly identified and, wherever possible, quantified with measurable success indicators.
These recommended projects were assessed based on their alignment with the Creative Coffs Cultural Strategic Plan and their potential to contribute positively to the local community.
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