17 artists and organisations to share $1 million NSW Government funding

$1 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Visual Arts Commissioning Program will go towards career advancing opportunities for 17 artists and organisations.

The successful grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 and will support ambitious and innovative artworks both in Sydney and in regional towns across the state.

The funding will support the employment and development of new works by visual artists and groups based in NSW, and will enhance the state’s artistic offering and career opportunities.

This innovative funding program has been introduced to address the challenges visual artists have endured. It will provide them with a platform to highlight their skills and creativity, which we are confident will entertain audiences across the state.

From galleries in Goulburn to Bathurst and Wagga Wagga to Lismore, this funding will give locals and visitors more choices and opportunities to enjoy the best in visual arts that NSW has to offer.

The Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga will use its awarded $60,000 funding to commission a significant new work from senior Waradgerie (Wiradjuri) contemporary artist Lorraine Connelly-Northey.

Museum Manager Luke Grealy said the gallery is committed to giving artists the opportunity to offer their perspective on the region’s history and added “Lorraine’s work will respond to the theme ‘Land and Custodianship in the time of Climate Change’ and will feature in our year-long programming focus on the environment.

“As we get closer to the opening of our redeveloped Museum here in Wagga Wagga, we are demonstrating our commitment to the regional creative industry and local professional arts practitioners.”

Carriageworks in Sydney is receiving funding to launch a solo exhibition by local artist Salote Tawale.

Carriageworks Chief Executive Blair French said Tawale’s project brings together unique paintings, sculpture, installation and video and advised “this funding comes at a critical point in the development of Salote’s career, providing an opportunity to produce her most ambitious work to date and first major solo exhibition in Sydney.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Salote to present this multifaceted and immersive work to diverse audiences.”

Applicants to the Visual Arts Commissioning Program were able to apply for funding to support the commissioning of new works by NSW visual artists.

The full list of the 2021/22 recipients is available here.

For further information on arts, screen, and cultural funding, including targeted support opportunities, visit the Create NSW website 

Image: The Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga will receive $60,000 to commission a significant new work from senior Waradgerie (Wiradjuri) contemporary artist Lorraine Connelly-Northey.