ARTS Upper Hunter has secured over $153,000 from the latest round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund for its Liddell WORKS Arts Program.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell has been joined by Minister for the Arts and Tourism Ben Franklin, at Liddell Power Station near Muswellbrook to announce the funding for creative residencies at the site during its transformation.
“Arts Upper Hunter and power station owner AGL have been working on a project to coincide with the closure of Liddell but the success of the Stronger Country Communities application will now strengthen the legacy of this powerhouse which has supplied electricity to NSW homes and businesses for over 50 years,” Mr Layzell said.
“What I find encouraging about Liddell WORKS is the diversity of this project, because in addition to the artist residencies, it will also engage with the AGL Liddell workforce for contributions including a video reminiscence booth and hands-on workshops.”
“Projects like this arts program build on the 20 other projects to be delivered across the Upper Hunter electorate with the almost $5.2 million received under SCCF round five.”
Mr Franklin said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to growing regional communities by backing projects that promote a stronger Regional NSW.
“This investment in the Arts Upper Hunter’s Liddell WORKS Arts Program is recognition of the valuable role arts and culture plays in the Upper Hunter region.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in the past five years the Stronger Country Communities Fund had delivered more than 2000 grassroots projects, benefitting every Local Government Area in regional NSW.
“We all know how important it is for communities to have great places to come together to build social connections and boost their wellbeing through art, sport or community events,” Mr Toole said.
“It’s the little things that make a big difference to the way we all work, live, play and do business, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are delivering the projects that make a difference to everyday life right across regional NSW.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure in the regions.
For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf
PICTURE CAPTION: Dave Layzell, Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin and Muswellbrook Mayor Cr Steve Reynolds join Arts Upper Hunter and AGL to celebrate the Liddell WORKS Stronger Country Communities Fund grant.
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