News
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Two new RADOs to complete the picture for Regional
Arts NSW 11 June 2002 THE REGIONAL ARTS NSW (RANSW) NETWORK IDEAL of providing a comprehensive, state-wide service for arts development in regional, rural and remote New South Wales will shortly become a reality following the Premier's announcement of increased funding for regional arts in the budget last week. Support for two new Regional Arts Development Officers (RADOs), the doubling of funds for the Country Arts Support Program (CASP) and increased support for existing regions follows intense lobbying by Regional Arts NSW and comes as a great relief to the hard-working and dedicated RADOs and their board members across the state. The RANSW network of Regional Arts Boards (RABs) and RADOs in NSW has proven a strong and cohesive platform for arts and cultural development in rural and regional New South Wales. Eleven RABs (or Steering Committees) have been formed since the restructure of the Arts Council of NSW, which began in 1998. Each employs a RADO with funding from the NSW Ministry for the Arts and contributing local governments, in partnership with the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW. RABs provide important benefits to their regions, including
As employees of an RAB, RADOs are significant contributors to the profile, cohesiveness and financial viability of their regional arts program. Apart from the significant additional funds they attract to their areas for arts and cultural programs, they provide an effective mechanism for encouraging regional arts planning so that current resources are utilised more effectively, and regional partners work together to ensure that what happens at the local level has an impact across the whole region. The exchange of information and ideas is as important as the increased capacity to attract local, state and federal funds that RADOs bring to their regions. The Far North Coast and Orana regions are the last two gaps in the Regional Arts NSW network, following the South East Regional Arts Board which was formed in 2001. Regional Arts NSW has been aware of the strong local support for the development of both the Orana and Far North Coast RABs and RADOs for some time. While the local government areas that will make up the regions are yet to be determined, Regional Arts NSW will shortly be embarking on discussions with all potential local government partners to gauge the levels of interest and potential to commit to a Regional Arts Program. Regional Arts NSW will also consult with the local community to hear what is needed in arts and cultural development in each region. Plans are underway for initial consultation tours of the Far North Coast and Orana regions by Regional Arts NSW, the NSW Ministry for the Arts, the Local Government and Shires Association and the General Managers and Mayors of local Councils and Shires. Once those meetings have taken place, a Regional Arts Steering Group will be formed to recruit a Regional Arts Development Officer and to establish a Regional Arts Board. For a more detailed timeline for each region click here. Regional Arts NSW provides the administrative and employment services to the Steering Committee in the initial phases and then assists the new Regional Arts Board to become autonomous. With increased operational funding for existing RADOs, a doubling of CASP funds and two new RADOs, regional and rural New South Wales stands to benefit significantly from an increased capacity in arts and cultural development over the next year ... and in the years to come. __________ For more information about RABs and RADOs click here.
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