Calling local artists, arts workers and organisations: applications for the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Grant Program 2022-2023 open on Wednesday 16 February.
Blue Mountains-based individuals and organisations can apply for funding of up to $10,000 for projects that encourage arts quality and innovation, strengthen the local arts sector and engage the local community and visitors as participants and/or audiences.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: "The Arts are one of the Blue Mountains' most treasured industries. We have a higher percentage of arts operators in our LGA than the average, and it's something I'm very proud of.
"Through the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Trust, Blue Mountains Council supports and champions the important role that arts and cultural activity plays in our community.
"For many years the Blue Mountains City of the Arts Trust grant program has provided highly valued support for arts and cultural initiatives in the Blue Mountains. This year, more than ever, as we come out of extended COVID-19 restrictions, the grants program can provide the vital boost that many creative projects need to succeed."
After some unfortunate but unavoidable delays due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021-2022 grant recipients' projects are now well underway. The 2021 grant program funded 10 projects including:
Bus Stop Films - Accessible Film Studies Program
Bus Stop Films is running an award-winning Accessible Film Studies Program in the Blue Mountains, offering access to film school education, filmmaking opportunities and screen industry employment pathways for people living with disabilities. To celebrate the launch of the Accessible Film Studies Program, Bus Stop Films is hosting a night of award-winning, inclusively made films at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre on Friday 18 February, 7.30pm
Underground - Curated by Miriam Williamson
Underground is an exhibition of works by Vicky Browne, Simon Reece, Peachey and Mosig, recognised contemporary artists who live and work in the Blue Mountains of NSW, on Gundungurra and Dharug land. Using geology as inspiration and source material, the artists tap into current discussions about their world heritage region, including mining of resources, environmental systems, human impact and the history of fossicking and collections of minerals. Underground runs from 6 February - 29 Apr 2022, at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath.
Lumiere - Modern Art Projects Blue Mountains (MAPBM)
MAPBM presents Lumière - Mount Victoria's Festival of the Moving Image, a 10-day program of events respectfully held on Dharug and Gundungurra lands from 22 April - 1 May 2022. Lumiere is curated by Rebecca Waterstone and features over 40 short films by 25 artists exploring themes of light and liminality, screened in a variety of unique spaces including Mount Vic Flicks vintage cinema, the salons and grounds of historic Mount Victoria Manor, Rhomboid Studio, local shop windows and laneways, and a pop-up cinema.
Interested artists and organisations are encouraged to read the grant guidelines, review the application forms available on the City of the Arts Trust website, and register to attend an Information Session on Wednesday 2 March, 5pm at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.
Grant guidelines and forms for individuals and organisations are available for download.
Grant applications close on Sunday 27 March.
Photo: Becky Chatfield Dancer by Alex Benetel
