Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said the NSW Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund was for projects in remote and regional NSW that encourage Aboriginal people to explore and express their cultural identities. 

“I urge all our local Aboriginal artists and arts organisations to apply for this funding, which will allow them to share their stories and skills with their communities,” he said.

“This is well-targeted support to build the skills, capacity and professional development of Aboriginal artists and arts organisations as well as create a diversity of stories and contemporary artworks which speak to local communities.”

The NSW Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund offers up to $5000 for individual professional artists and up to $20,000 for organisations. 

Mr Johnsen said the NSW Government was proud to support a vibrant, distinctive and contemporary Aboriginal arts and culture across NSW. 

The fund supports projects that: 

* Enable Aboriginal communities in regional NSW to explore and express their cultural identities; 

* Engage and promote regional Aboriginal artists, arts and culture in NSW; 

* Encourage people to engage with Aboriginal arts and cultures;

* Build the capacity and sustainability of Aboriginal arts organisations in regional NSW; and

* Increase skills development opportunities for Aboriginal artists in regional NSW.

“Last year the fund supported 15 striking projects including painting, carving and fibre workshops across the state,” Mr Johnsen said.

“With our rich indigenous cultural heritage here in the Upper Hunter, I strongly encourage our local artists and art societies to apply for this funding, and highlight our wonderful, contemporary indigenous art.”

Applications close on February 27.

For more information, visit www.arts.nsw.gov.au