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Whyalla has been recognised for its work in the arts, culture and disability with funding for two significant programs.
The Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, run in conjunction with Country Arts SA, will be providing more than $20,000 for an Orchard Community Art Project ($4366) and the Dream It, Screen It program ($17,425) through Sit Down Shutup and Watch Film & New Media Festival. The Regional Arts Fund is providing nearly $160,000 for 13 projects across regional South Australia in this round of funding.
City of Whyalla Arts and Cultural Facilitator, Deb Hughes said the funding was a welcome boost and an acknowledgement of the work already being done to promote the arts, culture and services for those living with a disability in our city. The funding for Dream It, Screen It, comes hot on the heels of Whyalla hosting the Sit Down Shutup and Watch Film & New Media Festival late last year.
“The Dream It, Screen It funding is especially pleasing after the success of our three-day arts, activity and film even in December last year,” Deb said.
“Council and partners (Country Arts SA, the Australian Government Regional Arts Fund, Tutti, the Middleback Arts Centre and the City of Whyalla Youth Advisory Committee) presented three days of activities and movie-going with mosaic workshops for the foreshore cuttlefish seat and a disability inclusive seat along with the Sit Down Shutup and Watch film festival.
“This was a totally inclusive event with the movie festival showcasing some of the best and boldest work by filmmakers with a learning disability from around the world.
“With this latest funding for Dream It, Screen It, people living with a disability in Whyalla will have the opportunity to gain some professional development opportunities to create their own short films.”
Country Arts SA CEO, Mr Steve Saffell said it was impressive to see the high quality of applications received from across the state including significant projects in the Eyre Peninsula, APY Lands, and in Bordertown, Murray Bridge, Whyalla and Ceduna.
“The Regional Arts Fund will support the production of new work, continue to build on the success of previous initiatives and develop skills for artists and communities in regional and remote South Australia”, he said.
“Most pleasing, the projects funded in this round embrace our young people and their environmental concerns, and celebrate the community’s art and heritage, showcasing and promoting pride in regional art and culture.”
The next round of the Regional Arts Fund closes on 15 August 2019 for projects that commence after 1 January 2019. For more information about the Regional Arts Fund visit www.countryarts.
WHYALLA PROJECTS
Matilda Sweeney – Whyalla Stuart ($4366): The Orchard Community Art project. Young emerging visual artist Matilda Sweeney will gain vital arts management skills, devising and leading the artistic component of the Community Garden Project with community members of Whyalla Stuart. Lyall Ware-Campbell, an Aboriginal digital artist, will work with Matilda to document the project.
Sit Down Shutup and Watch Film & New Media – Whyalla ($17,425): Dream It, Screen It. Professional development opportunities for emerging regional filmmakers with a learning disability will be provided, focussing on digital storytelling and resulting in short films being created for screening at local, national and international film festivals. Tentatively scheduled for end of September. Those interested in participating can contact Deb Hughes on 8640 3444.