Local groups and organisations are encouraged to enhance their musical, cultural, and artistic endeavours by applying for a Parkes Shire Council Cultural Grant.
The aim of Council's Cultural Grants Program is to encourage and support the development of local community organisations, services and strategies, which make a positive contribution to the community and cultural life of the Shire.
Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services, Kerryn Jones said, "Council recognises the importance of a culturally rich and vibrant community. By fostering the development of skills, talents and abilities at a local level and enhancing cultural facilities and infrastructure, these grants support creative and innovative cultural activity throughout our Shire.
"The grants can be utilised in a variety of ways, including to develop a new project, extension or enhancement of an existing project, purchase of equipment, or minor capital works," said Ms Jones.
In 2021, five community cultural projects were successful in their application for funding, including:
- Adavale Lane Community Centre - for a community mural
- Parkes Shire Concert Band - to purchase new instruments
- Peak Hill Leisure Art & Craft Council - to undertake a series of sewing workshops
- Parkes Potters Group - for purchase of equipment to support education services
- Parkes High School - to support Special Education Unit participation in Eisteddfods.
Parkes Shire Councillor Bill Jayet said, "The Parkes Potters Group were thrilled with the equipment they were able to purchase with the Cultural Grant they received in 2021.
"The equipment has enabled them to extend their coaching and mentoring of new skills in the production of clay sculptural pieces and pottery to new members through in-house learning days.
"The Parkes Potters have been an active community group for over 50 years and Parkes Shire Council was pleased to be able to support their contribution to creative pursuits in the community," said Cr Jayet.
Cultural Grants application forms are available on Council's website at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au or you can obtain a hard copy from your local library. Applications close Friday 3 June 2022.
