Creative Approaches to Bushfire Recovery
Five arts recovery projects assisting communities affected by the Victorian bushfires will share in Brumby Government grants totalling $10,000 through the Arts Recovery Quick Response Fund.
Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said the fund was initiated to assist communities affected by the Victorian bushfires and encourage local artists to contribute to the rebuilding effort.
"There are many talented artists in these areas who are committed to their communities and passionate about how the arts can contribute to the recovery and rebuilding effort," Ms Kosky said.
"Speaking to local artists following the devastation of the fires, I heard very strongly the need for quick and flexible support to help them get projects off the ground. This program directly responds to these immediate needs, and I'm pleased to announce the first round of projects that will benefit."
The following applicants have been funded in the first round of the program:
- Nillumbik Shire Council to work with a local artist to create letterboxes for a survivor group of up to 60 bushfire affected families in Strathewen ($2500);
- Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House to launch and grow membership of the Kinglake Phoenix Choir and provide musical relief, entertainment and interaction with surrounding communities and choirs ($2500);
- Dederang Rural Fire Brigade to produce a photographic and text record of the Black Saturday fires and the effect on the local community, with photographs and stories provided by members of the community ($1500);
- Berry Street for Meet, Meld, Merge II, a forum in Yea to explore the ways in which artists and communities affected by the fires can utilise the arts as a recovery tool ($1000); and
- Yarra Ranges Film Society for outreach activities in secondary schools in the Yarra Ranges to encourage and enable students submit short films on the theme 'My Place, My Family, My Environment' in the context of bushfire recovery and healing. To be presented as part of Warburton Film Festival ($2500).
Ms Kosky encouraged artists and communities in affected regions, who have arts recovery project ideas, to apply for support in forthcoming rounds of the program.
"Grants of up to $2500 are available to support local artists to work in their communities on projects that contribute to the recovery effort. Applications close on the 1st of each month until September," she said.
The Arts Recovery Quick Response Program is funded by the Brumby Government and managed by Regional Arts Victoria (RAV).
For program guidelines and application forms contact Joe Toohey at Regional Arts Victoria on (03) 9644 1800, email jtoohey@rav.net.au, or visit the RAV website. The next round closes on Monday 1 June.
For more information about bushfire recovery, support and advice for the arts sector, visit our Bushfire Information pages.