Grant boosts Valley art: Gallery lands $50,000 for program
STAFF at Grafton Regional Gallery are celebrating after they secured a $50,000 grant from the NSW Government.
The grant was approved under the NSW Arts Funding Program and will go towards developing and maintaining the gallery's annual arts program, including the popular Artist in Residence.
On Monday, Mayor Richie Williamson and Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis congratulated Grafton Regional Gallery director Jude McBean for the successful application.
Describing the grant as wonderful, Ms McBean said the $50,000 will help the gallery develop the annual arts programs for local artists and assist the gallery in expanding its collection.
"The grant is a major benefit for the community and we are really excited we can continue to support the cultural development of the Valley through our arts program," Ms McBean said.
"We applied for the grant earlier this year. It was an extensive application process and quite competi- tive as there are 42 regional galleries in NSW, but we are very excited to have the grant as it means our arts program can continue."
As he admired portraits and drawings by previous JADA (Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award) winners hanging in Pretence House, Mr Gulaptis said he was pleased the gallery had received recognition from the State Government.
"I'm really pleased the State Government has recognised the work the Grafton Regional Gallery does," Mr Gulaptis said.
"They do a great job to promote creative industries within the Clarence Valley.
"The $50,000 grant will go a long way towards keeping the annual arts program going strong."
Cr Williamson agreed.
"I'm thrilled the State Government have made an investment into our regional gallery," he said.
"It is a significant culture centre for the Clarence Valley."
