Macedon Ranges creative artists and companies have received a helping hand.
Woodend photographer Pia Johnson received a $5000 grant to adapt her creative practice, undertake professional development in online strategy and continue creating new work for future exhibitions.
Johnson said it was now more important than ever that creative artists like herself received support in any shape or form.
“I am grateful to receive the Sustaining Creative Workers Grant,” she said.
“It comes at a pivotal time to support and sustain my practice as an artist, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The grant forms part of the state government’s Sustaining Creative Workers initiative, aimed at supporting the work and protecting the jobs of professional creatives across all fields, including filmmakers, game developers, fashion designers, writers, visual artists, musicians and performers.
The grant program was delivered in partnership with Regional Arts Victoria and Arts Access Victoria.
Woodend North theatre and performance director Gorkem Acaroglu also received $5000 to develop new theatre and performance work, while company Metatonia Theatre from Woodend North received $10,000 to reconceptualise a large-scale immersive arts experience, slated to be presented as part of a festival in 2021.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the creative industry had been among the hardest hit sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic with venue closures, event cancellations and screen industry shutdowns.
She said it was vital to support local artists to keep their career or business afloat.
“The Macedon Ranges is a regional hub for creatives and over the past few months … our creative sector has been hit hard,” she said.
“These grants will help our creatives adapt to these new circumstances and keep working to building and future-proofing their business or career.”
Jessica Micallef
