Arts and culture organisations in Barker are invited to apply for a share of more than $500,000 available in funding across Australia for arts projects at festivals and significant one-off community celebrations.

Tony Pasin, Member for Barker is encouraging organisations to apply for the next round of Festivals Australia funding.

Festivals Australia funds arts projects including parades, performances, workshops and installations to promote community engagement at local festivals in regional and remote Australia.

Mr Pasin said festivals are a highlight on the community calendar for people of all ages in communities across Barker.

“Through Festivals Australia funding, local artists and organisations can deliver projects that enhance local events with arts and cultural experiences that tell local stories and explore who we are.”

Fringe Mount Gambier was recently successful in being awarded funding for their ‘Experience Fringe’ project, designed to stimulate and engage audience participation across all art forms and mediums, styles, innovation or experimentation amongst all ages and abilities.

COTA SA’s ‘Zest Fest’ also received funding from the program in 2017 for a digital photography project “60 Moments”. Regional South Australia’s largest arts and community festival, Zest Fest is specifically designed for people over the age of fifty to celebrate longevity, challenge stereotypes and unlock the possibilities that modern ageing brings.

Mr Pasin said the Government was committed to providing opportunities to share and explore Australian stories and identity through the arts.

“Arts projects funded by Festivals Australia provide valuable opportunities for local artists to come together to share their works, and are a drawcard for tourists and local economies.”

Applications close on Sunday March 22 at 5pm.

For more information and to apply visit: www.arts.gov.au/festivals.