Kids in the Dubbo Electorate will be able to redeem their $100 Creative Kids vouchers and stay connected to creative learning activities during COVID-19.
The program will be expanded to allow Creative Kids vouchers to be used for online programs and educational materials, while $1 million in funding will help program providers make the digital transition.
Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said the Government is doing everything it can to keep kids connected to quality cultural and creative activities, despite the impact of COVID-19.
“The changes we’re announcing today mean that no matter where children are in NSW, they will have greater access to a range of Creative Kids providers who go digital,” Mr Saunders said.
“At times like this, adapting your business can be key to survival. Our digital adaptation grants will flow to more businesses and sole traders in the arts and creative industries, helping to keep people in business in a sector that has been hit hard by COVID-19.”
Creative Kids offers families one $100 voucher per year for every school aged child to contribute to registration, participation and tuition costs for performing arts, visual arts, coding, languages, literature, music and other creative and cultural activities.
The expanded guidelines will ensure children with limited access to the internet, including in regional and remote NSW, have more opportunities by allowing Creative Kids vouchers to cover the cost of more creative materials and equipment.
The changes include: $1 million worth of grants (up to $5,000) to help Creative Kids providers adapt to online delivery; a digital toolkit to help providers pivot to online delivery; an extension of the use of Creative Kids vouchers for online programs and educational materials, and; improved Service NSW website to make it easier for parents to find a provider.
Applications for the Creative Kids provider grants are open. To be eligible, grant applicants must: clearly demonstrate adaptation of Creative Kids activities to online delivery; describe how this support can maintain or increase voucher redemption during COVID-19, and; meet the objectives of the Creative Kids program. For more information go to www.create.nsw.gov.au