Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says she is pleased to see extra funding being distributed to flood affected local artists.
“In March the NSW Government announced $200,000 in arts grants for flood affected artists but the need was so great that the fund was stretched to $500,000.
“The Northern Rivers has a strong and vibrant artistic community and this sector was hit hard in the floods.
“A total of 49 local artists and arts organisations will receive grants ranging from under $1000 to over $20,000 to replace what they lost from art materials, equipment, musical instrument and costumes, to studio spaces and workshops.
“Artists such as renowned master craftsman Geoffrey Hannah, musician Jimmy Willing, and the Sprung! dance and theatre group are among the grant recipients.
“We need our musicians and writers and artists and actors and creatives of all kinds to tell our stories, particularly at this time,” Ms Saffin said.
“The arts community is critical to the life of our region and will play an important role in our flood recovery.”