Artstart funding for NWTC

May 20, 2009

Bingara Youth Project receives Artstart funding via Arts North West.  Darts North West has been able to provide $1995 in funding for a Bingara-based project through the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation’s Artstart Youth Arts and Skills program.

Artstart is a biennial funding program that enables Arts North West to offer small grants for arts and skills workshops aimed at young people between the ages of 12 and 24.  Projects can utilise any art form but must focus on skills development.

This year the program offered $52,000 in funding from the New South Wales Government’s Department of Education and Training (DET) for projects in the New England and North West.

“Arts North West is pleased to be able to distribute funds to all areas in the region for a diverse range of arts skills development projects,” said Jack Ritchie, Regional Arts Development Officer at Arts North West.

According to Mr Ritchie, Artstart provides a great opportunity for young people to develop skills applicable in a wide range of occupations including the arts industry.  Alongside developing a range of arts specific skills, the projects foster skills in literacy, numeracy, teamwork and problem solving – all essential to young people’s personal development.

North West Theatre Company will receive $1995 towards skills development workshops that will result in the creation of ten minute plays.

“The project will be able to go ahead thanks to the Artstart funding,” Mr Ritchie said.  “This is a great opportunity for the North West Theatre Company to increase the number of skills development workshops for young people in the Bingara area.”  Artstart is an initiative of the State Government via the Dept of Education and Training.

It is funded by the Minister for Education and Training and managed by the Department of Education and Training through TAFE NSW-Access Division. Further information can be obtained by contacting Arts North West on 6732 4988 or at www.artsnw.com.au