Cultural Development Funding
Council has in place a "Cultural Policy" which aims to "Provide a framework which demonstrates Council's encouragement and support for the many and diverse cultural activities occurring throughout the municipality" and a "Cultural Development Funding Policy" which aims to "Provide a basis for the allocation of Council's financial support for cultural activities throughout the municipality". In the 2008/09 Budget, there is an allocation of $10,000 for "Art/Cultural Development" projects with $3,500 allocated to date.
Three submissions received funding under the Cultural Development Funding Program, as follows:
- Violet Town Action Group - "Leunig Mural Community Artwork Project" - $2,250.
- Nagambie Community Action Group - "Live at the Lake" - $2,000
- The Euroa Arboretum - "The Euroa Arboretum & Artist Collaboration: sculptural stories in steel and stone" - $2,250
In November 2008, $3,500 of the funding was allocated to Nagambie & District Historical Society ($1,500 for "The way we were" book) and Nagambie Lakes Tourism & Commerce Inc ($2,000 Artscape by the Lake).
Mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Howard Myers said, "Council is proud to support three wonderful but quite diverse projects which is what the fund aims to do. The $10,000 has now been allocated for this financial year but we encourage people to apply in the next financial year."
Violet Town Action Group
The submission from the Violet Town Action Group seeks funding for Stage 1 of a 3 stage Arts project as part of the VT Lions Park rejuvenation. The "Leunig Mural Community Artwork Project" aims to enhance the appearance of the main street by application of a Leunig mural; improve water recycling and conservation in the community and provide educational information about sustainable community and sensitive use of resources.
Stages two and three will be funded from other external bodies and the council is asked to act as the auspicing body for these future grant applications.
Stage one will involve preparing the surface works; render the toilet block, repaint the pavilion and apply the mural. The art work will be provided by Michael Leunig on a voluntary basis. The mural will be constructed with direct involvement by the local community and school children during the first week of the school holidays in April 2009.
When all three stages are completed, the park will provide an attractive community space for visitors and the local community. Design elements include feature paving; Leunig mural; water-wise garden; walkway to children's area; reticulated water feature, rock garden and interactive sculpture. A water tank will be fitted to the pavilion and toilet block.
Nagambie Community Action Group
The submission from the Nagambie Community Action Group seeks funding for "Live at the Lake", a free community music event to be held on the shores of Lake Nagambie. The event aims to provide a platform for local musicians to showcase their talents.
The event will be free of charge and will be held in conjunction with the NOW festival in March 2009. This will allow both locals and tourists to witness the talent in the local area.
Euroa Arboretum
The submission from the Euroa Arboretum seeks funding to complete a unique stone and steel sculptural "wall". Local stonemasons, Howard Mitchell and Darren Lavryssen, have built a series of seven stone pillars, to be connected by six steel screens, creating a walled effect. Funding is now sought to complete the steel screens.
Each screen will be made by a different local artist representing their interpretation of the passing of time and sense of progression of the site. Similar materials, such as new and recycled steel, will be used to link the screens and theme together. The Arboretum is contributing $1,000 towards the cost as well as the labour and site supervision. Contributions from the art and business community have been obtained. Three screens should be completed by the end of May 2009 with the other three screens completed in the following financial year. Submissions from local artists are to be received by the 13 February 2009.
The project is expected to generate a high level of interest from the local community and will provide young residents the opportunity to learn welding and design skills. A public opening will be held on completion and will provide media opportunity for the council and the region.
For more information: Marli Kelly 0409 410 178 February 19, 2009