Mrs Williams said $127,828 has been allocated to upgrade the seating in the John Ross Studio of the Glasshouse while $113,965 funding has been awarded to the Port Macquarie Museum to develop a Master Plan for the museum site. 

“These kinds of projects also offer new experiences for both local and overseas visitors, leading to more tourism dollars and jobs for our local area.

“I am very pleased that these two projects have been successful with their funding applications and I look forward to seeing the progress of both projects,” Mrs Williams said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said these two projects will receive a share of the $47 million round two funding.

“Art, screen, culture, music and performance are at the heart and soul of regional NSW and this funding will provide even more opportunities for locals to enjoy entertaining and educational experiences,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Importantly it will also provide artists with new opportunities to showcase innovative and quality works and allow visitors to experience a diverse range of arts and activities while generating social, economic and tourism benefits across the state. 

“By improving and supporting local art galleries, libraries and artist-led public art we are making towns and cities across regional NSW vibrant places to live, study, work and play.”

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the Regional Cultural Fund would provide inspiration, education and development opportunities for young regional artists. 

“It has been my pleasure to see first-hand how the first round of recipients have benefitted and I have no doubt that these new projects will continue to enrich the lives of artists, cultural workers and communities across the State,” Mr Harwin said.

“I congratulate [Electorate] on this great news which means the community will share in the very best of artistic and cultural experiences into the future.”

The Regional Cultural Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to improve economic growth and productivity as well as community amenity with investment in regional communities.

(Below : Seating upgrade at the Ross Studio, Glasshouse)