Grants boost to artists

Regional Arts WA is delivering more than $225,000 to artists and arts workers through the State Government’s Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program.

The Next Level Regional Grant program supports emerging artists, while the Regional Artist Fellowships are for those already established in the industry.

The programs are now open for application, with Next Level Regional Grants closing at 5pm on June 8, and Regional Artist Fellowships closing at 5pm on June 11.

Next Level Regional Grants will provide up to $5000 to support young emerging regional artists and arts workers between 18 and 26.

Since 2017, Next Level has supported seven young emerging artists who have now woven themselves into the fabric of the regional arts sector.

Narrogin artist and Arts Narrogin community engagement officer Casey Thornton said the grant had provided her with many opportunities.

“With the grant, I was able to invest in quality tools and materials for my studio that helped me to develop, document and exhibit my work to a professional standard,” she said.

“That support helped take some of the pressure away from the financial aspect of my project, and allowed me to focus on developing my creative and business skills.”

The $5000 also helped Thornton put together her first solo exhibition, Quietude, in Narrogin last May.

“Careers in the arts can be quite isolating, even more so for young people working regionally,” she said.

“That support is important in helping emerging artists overcome some of the barriers that come with living regionally.

“It helps us keep connected and enables us to continue finding innovative ways to tell our stories.”

For established regional arts workers, the new Regional Artist Fellowship will provide $50,000 for a period of two years.