More than 1.2 million people across NSW will experience an exciting range of cultural activities and programs spanning every artform, thanks to an investment of more than $4.1 million from Round 2 of the NSW Government's Arts and Cultural Funding Program for 2022/23.
Mujaay Ganma Foundation Members Wurinda Gill, Aunty Ruth Walker, Janette Blainey, Thomas Stanbrook. Photo Wurinda Gill
A total of 81 exceptional individuals, groups and organisations, employing almost 5,000 artists and cultural workers, will create homegrown arts and culture projects and experiences, including music, literature, visual art, dance, theatre and festivals.
NSW artists and organisations submitted a total of 424 applications, making this latest round of funding one of the largest from the sector in both volume and value.
The 45 per cent increase compared to the previous year signals the NSW arts and cultural sector is experiencing a resurgence in confidence to create exceptional art and cultural programs again after the disruption of COVID-19. The highest percentage increase was for Creative Koori First Nations projects, with 55 per cent more projects put forward for consideration.
Mujaay Ganma Foundation Aboriginal Corporation is among the successful recipients, receiving investment of $59,800 for its Julumbawambi project.
Julumbawambi will record five Gumbaynggirr language songs, gather stories from across five generations and develop five performances to be presented at the Bowraville Theatre, together with a series of facilitated workshops.
"Country and culture are at the heart of our work at the Mujaay Ganma Foundation. The Julumbawambi (Along the Generations) Project will provide a space for community to improve communication and understanding across generations. We expect to gain greater pride in Gumbaynggirr Country and culture through this journey and its artistic endeavours."Thomas Stanbrook, Mujaay Ganma Foundation
All applications funded through Round 2 were assessed against published criteria and ranked in order of merit by the Artform Advisory Boards.
The combination of Round 1 and Round 2 2022/23 Arts and Cultural Funding Program outcomes will deliver a total of $10,354,965 to support the arts and cultural sector.
The recipients of the 2022/23 ACFP R2 funding are: