FEDERAL member for Page Kevin Hogan is pleased to announce a $18,550 grant to NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) to employ and mentor a Trainee Indigenous Associate Producer, as well as $20,000 for the Kyogle-based RealArtWorks Inc for its ‘Nothing is Useless’ project.
“This funding will ensure a continued and vibrant arts program in the Northern Rivers that the whole community can enjoy,” Mr Hogan said.
The NORPA grant will allow the award-winning theatrical company to employ Mitch King to work on a new project entitled Bundjalung Nghari: The Gathering. The work will engage with audiences and the Bundjalung community through an open forum, workshops and performance. Through the process, a major new dance theatre work will be created by leading Indigenous artists and premiere at NORPA in Lismore in 2015.
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” Mr King said. “I’m looking forward to being part of NORPA’s creative team as well as learning about producing events and the performing arts industry. I can’t wait to jump in.”
NORPA’S general manager Emily Berry said the NORPA team was thrilled to have Mitch King on board.
“After such an inspiring start to our Bundjalung project, we’re looking forward to Mitch’s ongoing contribution in helping local Indigenous stories being told,” she said. “The Regional Arts Fund will also help Mitch develop as an artist and continue his invaluable work in the community.”
RealArtWork’s Nothing is Useless production in a creative exploration around the theme of redundancy using obsolete technology to create an innovative exhibition using sound, image, text and light by professional and emerging artists, with and without a disability.
Developed over a year it will culminate in an exhibition and performances at Lismore Regional Gallery.
Mr Hogan said more than $1.3 million was provided for 84 projects in regional areas across Australia under the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund Community Grants Program.
The Regional Arts Fund supports artists and community-based arts organisations to pursue creative excellence in Australia’s regionals and rural centres.
“I congratulate NORPA, Mitch King and RealArtWorks and wish them well in their endeavours and look forward to the results,” Mr Hogan said
The Regional Arts Fund is administrated by Regional Arts Australia and its member network of regional arts organisations in states and territories. A full list of funded projects is available atwww.regionalarts.com.au