Nola White enjoys the CASP funded workshops run by Bristle Brush Arts.
THE Country Arts Support Program (CASP) funding round is now open for applications. This is a significant change to the timing of this important funding round for arts in the region.
“Previously CASP rounds closed in mid-February each year for projects starting from early April,” explained Andrew Gray from South East Arts.
“However this timing made it difficult for community organisations planning events for the calendar year.”
In response to requests for a change to timing of the funding round, South East Arts is now accepting CASP applications up until October 2 for projects starting after January 1, 2013.
CASP provides small grants of up to $3000 to arts and community organisations and local arts councils in regional NSW for short term, locally initiated projects.
“Over the years CASP funding has supported a range of projects across all art forms throughout the region,” said Andrew Gray.
“Organisations have a better chance of success because they are only competing against other applications from within the region. There are numerous examples within the South East region and right across the state where a small CASP grant has led to significant arts development projects for regional NSW.”
In 2012 eleven projects were supported by CASP in the South East Region. This includes “Bristle Brush Arts” a project for the Bombala Visual Artists to run eight art practice workshops throughout 2012.
Aimed to enhance and diversify skills, workshops are being conducted by practicing regional artists with expertise in oils, acrylics, pastels, water colours and drawing.
The culmination of works created through these workshops will form a public exhibition at the Bombala Australia Day Event in January 2013.
The aims of the CASP funding program are:
• to assist locally determined cultural activities;
• to increase opportunities for regionally based groups to access a diverse range of arts programs;
• to enable communities to explore and express their cultural identities;
• to encourage communities to work together to develop and participate in cultural experiences;
• to bring social and economic benefits to the community through training, employment and promotional activities; and
• to leads to greater awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity in rural and regional New South Wales.
CASP applications can be completed online. People can download the 2013 Guidelines and Application Form at the Regional Arts NSW website at www.regionalartsnsw.com.au
Applicants must speak to the Regional Arts Development Officer in their region about their project prior to applying. Contact Andrew Gray on 6499 2286 or email agray@southeastarts.org.au