CASP is a long-running devolved funding program coordinated locally by the 15 regional arts development organisations in NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.
From workshops to engage and grow local participation, to upskilling the next generation of dance teachers or bridging cultures with art making and music. From writing to music to visual art, CASP provided new opportunities for communities in the Central West.
In 2024, 8 arts activities, from 21 applications across the NSW Central West, shared $17,000 total in funding. There were strong themes of professional development, upskilling and mentoring in the successful applications this year. Two activities had a specifically multi-cultural focus.
OUTCOMES:
- 8 grants made
- $17,000 in grants allocated
- 431 project participants
- 4064 audience
- 30 individual workshops or activities
- 36 paid artists and 24 un-paid artists
- 64 volunteers contributing 533 volunteer hours
- $36,805 of regional economic activity
FURTHER OUTCOMES:
2023 CASP funded project Playback Kandos (by Kandos Museum) was nominated for a Museums & Galleries NSW IMAGinE Award.
Through to 2025 grants were offered once a year and available for short term, locally initiated arts and community engaged projects delivered in our service area. Applicants could apply for up to $3000, with groups, councils, individuals, collectives and arts businesses eligible. Funds are primarily for the payment of artists and arts workers to undertake locally-developed arts activities. Applications are assessed locally by an external panel.
The demand for the funding was again high and the quality of applications very strong. This shows the need for easily accessible small grants funding in the region.
CASP APPLICATIONS IN 2024:
- 32 individual consultations
- 21 applications
- $61,000 funding ask
- 51 individual consultations for 2025 round
Arts OutWest value adds to the funded activities with an information session for recipients, providing an optional Media Associate to take photos for use by organisers, and focused promotion and storytelling about the projects via our enews, website and social media.
2024 projects:
Engaging Regional Artists and Community – Mid-Western Regional Council.
Upskilling local artists to deliver 10 workshops in Mudgee to community groups. Two artist/educators worked with ten artists. $3000
“Through the project we managed to build much stronger connections to local disability services and the people with disability in the community. This has allowed us to put in place a number of permanent programs for people with disabilities – Mudgee Arts Precinct.
Erthwrx participation – Artists of Cowra East.
Three artists attended the CORRIDOR Project’s ERTHWRX program for National Science Week, with collaborative work being developed for exhibition. $2265
“This development of ideas and skills allowed the ACE members to exhibit jointly at the CORRIDOR Project Riversleigh Woolshed ERTHWRX 2024 and at Cowra Micro Gallery allowing greater access to an audience” – artist Ken Hutchinson.
DanceStep – Parkes School of Dance.
Formal training for student dance assistants, through the DanceStep syllabus. $1000
“The key success were four students aged 10years+ begun and continued their Dance Step journey to learn through theory and practice how to assist in a dance class. These dancers were then able to rise to the challenge in class, and at community events and activations and our end of year performance. Building relationships across the studio has been extremely valuable.” – Parkes School of Dance.
Connecting Across Cultures – Parkes Multicultural Art Group.
Parkes Shire Council. Five workshops during the multicultural art group sessions to broaden the group’s skill base and access qualified artists and a range of creative experiences. $3000.
“The artist led workshops saw an increase in attendance with participants coming from Orange to take part. On some occasions, the numbers were almost doubled the usual non-artist lead sessions. Key successes included building relationships and friendships, connecting with others, learning new skills, sharing of meals, opportunity to improve English through conversation. – Parkes Shire Council.
Encouraging Confidence, Resilience and Affordable Participation of our Emerging Local Artists – Grenfell Artists Inc.
Half price workshops, helping artists become confident enough to exhibit their work in the newly developed Little Gallery. $2575
“Having access to professional artists in a safe learning situation had a positive impact on the confidence and an improvement in skills of our new and emerging artists. They have discovered that the workshop situation is not threatening; that they can participate at their own skill level; that other artists show an interest in their work and provide encouragement and friendship.” – Grenfell Artists Inc.
Intertwined Musical Direction Mentoring – Lusi Austin, Intertwined.
Show cast and band working with vocal coach Tim Hansen. Cowra. $1000
“Tim was able to give constructive advice that would arm the cast and the band as they headed into a more intense rehearsal period – Lusi Austin.
Writing Down the Lachlan – Lachlan Arts Council.
A one-day writing workshop with Central West author Kim Kelly at Condobolin. $1500.
“We provided a much needed workshop that is not available in remote and rural areas. We have integrated more people into the writers group, who now are attending the monthly meetings. – Lachlan Arts Council
Harmony Day Workshops – Orange City Council.
Latin percussion workshops in Molong, Canobolas, Borenore, and Lithgow with music group ALLY culminating in performances at Harmony Day in Orange. $2660
“Successes included presenting Latin music styles in a respectful, positive and inclusive way. Many people approached to ask where they could hear us or other groups playing Latin music in their area. Their enthusiasm to engage with first and second generation Latin Australian musicians and keep their culture alive here is fantastic.” – Orange Migrant Services