The Hon. George Souris, Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts announced today that the NSW Government will provide nearly $90,000 in Regional Museum Networking Grants to support two projects that will connect neighbouring local volunteer-run museums in Albury and the Mid-north Coast as they develop new exhibitions and improved visitor experiences.
He also announced that three volunteer-run community museums will share the $22,500 in Collection Documentation Grants which will go towards professional training and advice on preserving valuable local collections.
“These grants, worth a total of $112,500, are part of the Government’s commitment to arts and culture in NSW, in acknowledgment of the very important role the museum sector plays in the cultural, creative, social and economic development of our State,” Mr Souris said.
“Regional Museum Networking Grants support one-off projects that provide seed-funding to enhance and develop networking relationships between regional volunteer-run museums and other key stakeholders.” Mr Souris said Collection Documentation Grants assist volunteer staff in community museums to develop skills in researching, creating and preserving museum collections.
“Community museums play a vital role as custodians of our history and heritage, so it’s fitting that the Government supports this sector.
“Around three-quarters of the State’s 400-plus small to medium-sized museums are managed or run by an army of dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers who make a valuable contribution to their communities, as well as our collective cultural heritage.”
Click here to see who received Regional Museum Networking Grants.
“These grants, worth a total of $112,500, are part of the Government’s commitment to arts and culture in NSW, in acknowledgment of the very important role the museums sector plays in the cultural, creative, social and economic development of our State,” Mr Souris said.
The following museums have been awarded Collection Documentation Grants.
Lithgow State Mine Heritage Complex: $7,500 to engage a local heritage consultant to document iron and steel industry relics held in the five major industrial museums within Lithgow City Council.
Old Government House, Parramatta: $7,500 to engage a textile consultant to work with volunteers to identify, assess and document the domestic collection stored at Old Government House. This assessment will be used to catalogue the collection, display it within the National Trust museums and make it available for loan to other institutions.
Regional Museum Networking Grants and Collection Documentation Grants are Arts NSW devolved funding programs administered by Museums and Galleries NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.
Arts NSW is the NSW Government’s arts policy and funding body – www.arts.nsw.gov.au.
Media contact: Hugh Cavill 0408 235 997
