Arts North West facilitates the development of arts and cultural projects and initiatives across the New England North West region.

After withdrawing its membership for several years, the local council reconsidered its position following an extensive presentation in a council meeting in March, where volunteers outlined the economic and cultural benefits of the group.

"It's absolutely fabulous to have Inverell Shire back in the fold,” Arts North West executive director Caroline Downer said.

“I look forward to sharing with the community all the wonderful things we have planned for Inverell”.

Arts North West have announced a number of events and activities now available to locals over the following months. 

In an effort to fulfill the group’s professional development opportunity aim, an Arts Grant Writing Basics workshop will be held at the Inverell Art Gallery on Wednesday, August 8. 

Offering handy tips and tricks to any individual or community organisation applying for arts grants, the workshop has proved successful in the past.

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Following the recent Regional Cultural Fund visit to Inverell, Arts North West has also organised visits by key funding bodies and service organisations.

Create NSW will be running an Ideas Clinic on Wednesday, August 29, and National Associations for Visual Arts (NAVA) will be delivering a workshop called ‘Value your Arts’ on Wednesday, September 5.

These are opportunities not only to discuss their services, programs and funding rounds, but also to network with other artists and arts organisations in the Inverell Shire.

The Inverell community now has access to a larger pool of funding of the Country Arts Support Program (CASP). CASP is administered by Regional Arts NSW on behalf of Create NSW and is currently open for applications.

The aim of CASP is to support community arts and cultural development in regional NSW through small grants. Eligible activities include workshops, exhibitions, performances, artist-in-residence programs, and public art and design projects.

Applications close on August 3. Locals are encouraged to contact Ms Downer for more information. 

Not done yet, the Arts North West ON TOUR is also currently negotiating theatre productions for Inverell audiences, The North West Arts Trail Open Weekend for the Inverell and Moree region is planned for February 2018 and Creative Koori funding has just been announced and will be offering ongoing arts and cultural support Inverell Aboriginal community.

SEE ALSO: Locals honoured at annual NAIDOC awards

Ms Downer will be presenting to the forum organised by the Inverell Cultural Group on Monday, August 20. 

All details in regard to the events and opportunities above will be posted on Arts North West website, social channels and eNews.

For advice, information and professional support, the Inverell community is encouraged to contact the Arts North West team via office@artsnw.com.au or by calling (02) 6732 4988.

The organisation says they are looking forward to welcoming Inverell back to the network and getting reacquainted with the shire’s vibrant arts and cultural community.