Arts Northern Rivers have provided $165,000 in funding to support the recovery of artists affected by the catastrophic floods in the Northern Rivers.
Individual creatives across all local Government areas within the region who had their practice directly impacted, whether by loss of equipment or future income opportunities, were eligible to apply for support of $1,000 each.
Applications were accepted by professional practising artists, musicians, performers and creatives who suffered significant loss to their livelihoods to assist with the immediate recovery process.
Since the disaster hit the region in late February, the Arts Northern Rivers team have been dedicating their time to advocate and fundraise for flood relief and recovery funding to directly assist individuals impacted by the devastating floods in the Northern Rivers.
With overwhelming community support nationally, Arts Northern Rivers has so far raised over $95k for flood relief. Coupled with an additional $70k from Create NSW, Arts Northern Rivers has $165k available to directly assist flood affected individual creatives. Over 250 applications for this immediate support have been received.
“This funding process has given us real time insights to start to form a picture of the full devastation experienced by creatives across the region,” said Arts Northern Rivers Executive Director Jane Fuller.
“From this we can estimate a total damage of over $4.5m in lost work, equipment, studios and artworks, and this is only from a portion of those affected.”
Arts Northern Rivers is continuing to advocate for funding to potentially open this funding for a second round in order to provide support further across the arts and cultural sector within the region.
The fundraising campaign remains open for contributions until 25 April, with all assistance continuing to contribute to imminent need in this unfathomable circumstance. For more information and to donate, visit: www.pozible.com for details.
Image: You’ve Got This – Lismore mural and photo by Gala Jane