Funding available to support local eisteddfods
15-November-2011
Member for Hastings, Neale Burgess MP has urged residents of the Hastings and surrounding eisteddfods to apply for a share of $400,000 in Victorian Coalition Government grants to support and strengthen community arts activity across the state.
The grants program, part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to the arts in the
2011-12 Victorian Budget, will be administered by Ballarat’s Royal South Street Society – the longest-running and largest eisteddfod organisation in the country.
Mr Burgess said local eisteddfods benefit performers, audiences and local communities.
“Local eisteddfods bring great benefit to the local community, sharing the benefits of the arts, uncovering new talent, attracting entrants from surrounding areas, and therefore additionally bringing benefits to other local business” Mr Burgess said.
“This program will support local eisteddfods, and give support to the many dedicated volunteers who make these great events happen” Mr Burgess said.
Announcing the funding recently, Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu said eisteddfods play an important role in communities across Victoria.
“The Coalition Government is committed to building access to the arts, no matter where you live, your tastes or background,” Mr Baillieu said.
“By supporting eisteddfods, we are providing performance opportunities for Victorians from amateurs to experienced performers, we are strengthening the arts offering in local arts facilities and showcasing and celebrating the diversity of performance art on offer across the state.”
Eisteddfod organisations can apply to Royal South Street Society for grants that will help them to meet the costs of staging their activities.
Media contact: 5977 5600