Local artists and event organisers are breathing a sigh of relief, with much-needed funding now provided to ensure their future viability.

Member for Tamworth and Shadow Minister for the Arts, Kevin Anderson said he has been closely working with local organisations to advocate for funding after they missed out on earlier rounds of the Labor Government’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program (Multi-Year Funding).

“Our region’s arts organisations do an outstanding job promoting local artists and bringing world-class exhibitions and shows to our area,” Mr Anderson said.

“These organisations can’t do the work they do without financial support from the state government, which gives them confidence to invest in bringing world-class cultural experiences to our region.

“That’s why, when many of the region’s arts organisations had missed out on operational funding earlier this year, we fought hard to ensure that they were first on the list when it came to the latest round of funding.

“Today, that hard work paid off, with funding granted by Create NSW through the 2-Year Multi-Year Funding program. That’s great news for local artists, and great news for the community.”

Tamworth organisations set to receive funding include:

• Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance - $200,000
• Tamworth Regional Museums - $98,925
• Tamworth Regional Council – Country has always been Cool! - $85,000

“Our region has a strong history of supporting arts and culture, with many people travelling from across the Northwest to see the exhibitions our region hosts.

“That’s why it’s so important that we continue to foster our arts community and ensure Tamworth continues to be the central arts and cultural hub it is.

“I’ll continue to push the government to do more to support regional arts. It is the grassroots of creative expression where many of our best creatives learn their craft.

“Congratulations to our deserving arts organisations on winning these important grants. We all look forward to seeing what opportunities this funding will provide.”