An exhibition on domestic violence to a documentary on COVID-19 to a new cabaret performance - these are just some of the 19 projects to benefit from the latest round of arts funding grants from Blacktown City Council.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has announced $42,000 in grants, awarded to local artists and community groups as part of Council's 2021 Creative Arts Fund.
"The Creative Arts Fund is a wonderful, inclusive initiative that supports opportunities for local artists and creatives in our City," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"The applications this year were of extremely high calibre, and the projects range from celebrating diversity to addressing prominent social issues confronting our community.
"I am proud that this is the sixth year that Council has run the Creative Arts Fund program and I congratulate the 19 organisations and individuals on their awards. I look forward to enjoying the many projects that will be created."
Woodcroft local Holly Oakley will receive a grant of up to $2000 dollars for an exhibition on domestic violence and the printing of artworks for local domestic violence counsellors.
Emie Roy of Quakers Hill was awarded a grant to support the development and production of a short documentary on the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 lockdown.
A new cabaret performance will be developed by Doonside creative Natalie Oliver in collaboration with other performers.
Council's Manager Arts and Cultural Development, Alicia Talbot said; "Blacktown City is an amazing place, full of inspiration.
"The Creative Arts Fund champions our artists, cultural workers and creative communities. Blacktown Arts is thrilled to support creativity throughout the city with these grants.
"Culture and the arts have a profound role in highlighting social issues and strengthening community reach. A fantastic way for artists to gain professional development whilst working collaboratively with other local community organisations."
Grants of up to $3,000 have been awarded to these community organisations:
Barnier Public School P & C Association (Quakers Hill) - Artist fees for the installation of the first stage of murals in the bathrooms at Barnier Public School.
Australian Traditional Asian Culture Group (Seven Hills) - Chinese ink-drawing workshops with artists Songshi Li and Dan Chen and the development of a final exhibition.
Shalvey Community Centre (Shalvey) - Artist fees and venue hire for a Holiday Intensive Dance Workshop with young people at Shalvey Community Centre.
Grants of up to $2,000 have been awarded to these individuals and artist groups:
Holly Oakley of Woodcroft - An exhibition on domestic violence and the printing of the artworks for local domestic violence counsellors.
Emie Roy of Quakers Hill - Development and production support of a short documentary on the Covid-19 pandemic and 2020 lockdown.
Aileenette Almazan-Appleby of Blacktown - Artist fees for the production and development of an art and literacy video series for primary and early secondary school students.
Natalie Oliver of Doonside - Professional development fees and venue hire for the arrangement of a new cabaret performance in collaboration with other performers.
Yasmin Arkinstall of Lalor Park - Professional development in opera and funds to work with a mentor composer for the development of an autobiographical opera about the artist's experience with mental illness.
Laura Ranola of Doonside - Production of a new limited podcast series aimed at young women from Blacktown and western Sydney
Dave Hammond of Bidwill - Development and marketing costs of an online craft store in jewellery.
Stan Florek of Blacktown - Creation of ten to fifteen paintings that represent the migrant experience in Blacktown.
Juda Xavier Osbual of Woodcroft - Professional development and artist fees to support the development of a series of visual dance films.
Suhandi Kosasih of Seven Hills - Artist fees and venue hire for new music jam sessions in Blacktown.
Richard Jackson of Lalor Park - Creation of 10 autobiographical paintings that reflect the artist's life.
Vonne Patiag of Minchinbury - Development of the first full draft screenplay for the feature length film production of TOMGIRL.
Agal Dance Company of Blacktown - Production of a film on a dance performance responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Raneen Shamon of Mount Druitt - Creation of art works with students for an art exhibition at the Evans English Intensive Learning Centre.
Ctace Palasin of Blacktown - Development of two playscripts 'Oh Wife Escape Me Not' and 'Eva'.
Rebecca Catford of Seven Hills - Mixed media sculpture that reflects the impact of domestic violence on survivors.
Picture: Agal Dance Company of Blacktown has been awarded up to $2000 in funding as part of the 2021 Blacktown City Creative Arts Fund. Photographer: Gerrie Mifsud
