Mr Marshall said the Arts and Cultural Development Program was being introduced for the 2014-15 financial year, replacing the previous Arts Funding Program, following a review last year. 

He said the new program would reward success and increase the stability of funding for artists, arts and cultural workers and organisations. 

“The application process has been streamlined, opening up the opportunity for arts organisations to progress from project to program funding and multi-year funding, depending on their capacity to achieve sustained success,” Mr Marshall said. 

Minister for the Arts George Souris said there would be a renewed focus on quality, reach and the health of the sector to make sure Government funding delivered programs and projects with the greatest impact and value for the people of NSW. 

“No matter where you live in NSW, the Government is committed to ensuring that you have the opportunity to participate in arts and cultural activities,” Mr Souris said. 

Organisations applying for program funding will have to deliver activities that engage people from at least one of the program’s priority areas: people living and/or working in regional NSW; Aboriginal people; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; young people; and people with a disability.

 “I encourage arts and cultural organisations, artists and arts practitioners to read the guidelines and consider applying for funding,” Mr Marshall said.

More information about the Arts and Cultural Development Program is found on: www.arts. nsw.gov.au.