Mond

Monday, 26 June 2006

SYKES: ARTS VICTORIA FUNDING AVAILABLE

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, is encouraging local artists, arts groups and teachers to attend Arts Victoria information sessions scheduled to run in regional Victoria in mid July.

The Arts Victoria’s 2006-07 Funding Program opens on 1 July 2006 and staff will host a series of information sessions across the State for potential applicants. The information sessions will introduce the 2006-07 programs and provide advice on making an application.

Dr Sykes said, “The forthcoming information sessions to be held in Wangaratta on Wednesday, 19 July and Shepparton on Thursday, 20 July would be the perfect opportunity for our local artistic groups and schools to find out about the resources available to assist with the development and continuation of arts programs and initiatives.

The Artists in Schools program is one of the great initiatives that creates the opportunity for practising professional artists to work with young people in Victorian primary and secondary schools. It involves schools and communities in creative partnership projects while providing students, teachers and artists with diverse and challenging learning experiences. The program generates innovative ways to engage students across all strands of the curriculum from Prep to Year 10.

The program provides grants of $5,000 for artists to work in a school for up to 21 days.
Dr Sykes concluded, “I believe it’s important for people to be aware of available funding and I am very keen to see these opportunities utilised locally.”

For bookings, venue details and further information go to www.arts.vic.gov.au. Arts Victoria Funding Overview booklets are also available by phoning 1800 134 894.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989