A program dedicated to supporting small, volunteer-run museums will receive a much-needed boost thanks to the NSW Government’s investment in Orana Arts.
The NSW Government has committed $200,000 in core operational funds to each Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) in 2021/22 – up from $168,000 the previous financial year.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the additional $32,000 will help Orana Arts adapt to a post-COVID world, and invest in its Volunteers. Artists. Museums. Program.
“Every town has a story to tell, and in many regional areas that story is only told thanks to our passionate volunteers,” Mr Saunders said.
“Orana Arts plays a valuable role in supporting some of the region’s smaller, volunteer-run museums – including the Mudgee Museum, and the Henry Lawson Museum in Gulgong – to tell those stories.
“COVID has also hit the regional arts scene hard, and this additional funding will support Orana Arts to help our talented local artists and creative groups to bounce back.”
Orana Arts executive director Alicia Leggett said the funding boost “means a great deal” as it “aligns really well with our strategic plan”.
“This funding really comes at a time when we’ve had to think about how to reinvest into some of our programs to be more sustainable in a post-COVID environment,” she said.
The Regional Arts Network has been developed over the past 30 years with core funding from the NSW Government and through local Council support, to assist RADOs to inform and promote arts and cultural activity within the local community including opportunities for creative professionals in the regions.