Deputy Premier, Member for Bathurst Paul Toole and Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin today announced Bathurst Regional Art Gallery will benefit from $125,000 in funding thanks to the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.
The conversion of their art storage room into a multi-use theatrette is one of 82 projects sharing in a total of $11.7 million funding under the second round of Minor Works and Equipment Projects. These projects are the latest to receive funding as part of the $72 million Creative Capitalinitiative launched in 2021.
Deputy Premier, Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said this was great news for the arts community of Bathurst.
“With the recent opening of the Central Tablelands Collection Facility, Bathurst Regional Art Gallery now has more space to showcase the talent of our local artists,” Mr Toole said.
“The inclusion of a theatrette means an additional art form can be included in exhibitions held at BRAG. This is an exciting new opportunity for artists and performers looking for a space to showcase their work.”
Minister Franklin said this Creative Capital funding will pay dividends for the community of Bathurst by delivering a much-needed facility upgrade.
“This investment in cultural infrastructure in Bathurst is recognition of the valuable role arts and culture plays in the community,” Mr Franklin said.
“The NSW Government’s $72 million Creative Capital program aims to boost equity and access to arts and culture facilities for the people of NSW. With 165 projects across the state, more people will have access to top-class arts and cultural experiences.”
“It’s projects like this in Bathurst that will see the many museums, galleries, performance spaces and Aboriginal Cultural Centres and Keeping Places across NSW be venues their communities can continue to be proud of,” Mr Franklin said.
Bathurst Mayor Robert Taylor said that Bathurst welcomed the NSW Government’s investment to improving arts and cultural venues to be fit-for-purpose for the community, enhancing access and supporting the local economy.
“This funding will help us deliver state-of-the-art improvements and ensure our local audiences and visitors enjoy high quality cultural experiences. I am delighted the NSW Government has made this possible for Bathurst,” Mr Taylor said.
Further details on the Creative Capital program are available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.
