Community Arts sector receives a boost in Maranoa

January 25, 2022

Community museums, galleries and historical societies across regional Australia are receiving an important boost under the Coalition Government’s $3 million Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism (CHART) program.

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said that more than $135,000 will flow to 50 organisations across the country, including $10,128 across four Maranoa groups.

“The Tambo Arts Council, Blackbutt Art Gallery, Winton District Historical Society & Museum and the Sister Kenny Memorial Museum in Nobby have been successful in this first round of CHART funding,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The grants will support the reactivation and ongoing sustainability of these successful applicants, with each playing a key role in telling the stories of their local communities and preserving Australia’s cultural heritage.”

The successful projects were:

Tambo Arts Council ($3,000) – towards staging their inaugural art prize exhibition, Grasslands – View from my window.

Blackbutt Art Gallery ($1,128) – to replace inefficient lighting and save on energy costs.

Winton District Historical Society & Museum ($3,000) – to maintain the Society’s collection of photographs – over 1100 images dating as far back as 1895 will be digitised.

Sister Kenny Memorial Museum ($3,000) – repainting of interior, which has not been done since its opening in 1997.

Mr Littleproud encouraged community-run arts, cultural and heritage organisations in Maranoa to apply for a CHART program grant.

“This will help us to continue offering appealing cultural tourism experiences in our regional communities, as well as helping to rebuild local economies,” he said.

Applications are open until 29 April 2022, or until allocated funding is expended.

The Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) is delivering the program on behalf of the Government.