Locals and visitors alike will have more opportunities to see the region’s heritage thanks to a NSW Government grant for Orana Arts’ enCounter program.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced $49,770 for the project, which is part of Orana Arts’ Volunteers. Artists. Museum. Program (VAMP).
“Across regional, rural and remote NSW, communities really rely on volunteers to preserve their heritage and tell their stories,” Mr Saunders said.
“Through VAMP, Orana Arts supports these museums to enhance the visitor experience in a way they might not have the funds, time or expertise to do on their own.
“enCounter will engage artists and writers to put their own spin on the region’s heritage, enhancing the visitor experience and giving audiences new insight into these communities.”
Orana Arts Partnerships and Engagement Director Andrew Glassop said two artists will be engaged to develop works inspired by the Trangie Wungunja Cultural Centre and Gilgandra Rural Museum.
Meanwhile, eight writers will develop short stories exploring the characters, objects or themes at eight regional museums, with the collection to be used to promote touring between the locations.
“We’re of course very grateful to Create NSW and the State Government for this funding,” Mr Glassop said.
“Volunteer museums get by on small grants and ticket sales, so they have to spend their funds really carefully.
“The ability for us to apply on their behalf to do something different is a really great opportunity for the museums, and for the artists and writers it’s a chance to engage with audiences and themes they might not normally get to ‘encounter’!”