Arts Narrogin receives a grant from Regional Arts Venues Support for the expansion of rural WA art programs

Arts Narrogin has been chosen for a Regional Arts Venues Support grant to boost its community events and enriching programs. The small organisation will receive $70,000 a year for three years to fund its performing arts projects and events. Business manager Casey Sutton said Arts Narrogin had grown immensely in the past five years due to funding help and the new RAVS grant cemented its place for another three years. “The community know that we’re going to keep bringing amazing things to Narrogin,” she said. “It takes a lot of pressure off not having to reapply every year. “We’re only a small group of four people and it felt like everyone’s job is riding on these grants so three years is amazing.” Arts Narrogin has five shows lined up for 2024 including the returning classic Bogan Shakespeare on July 12. “Being able to bring these things here to Narrogin is really important,” Ms Sutton said. “Not having to travel all the way to the city and drive for two and a half hours, and pay for fuel, parking and a hotel.” She said the organisation hoped to promote positive community engagement and produce high-quality content with the grant. Specifically, it hoped to increase the participation and accessibility for the senior population in its programs. The RAVS program granted funding to 11 regional performing arts venues and 11 regional public art galleries including Arts Narrogin to expand regional arts audiences and opportunities. The programs funded encompass initiatives that support productions specific to First Nations people, children and young adults and the upskilling of regional artists and art workers.