News

•  Albemarle funds regional arts festivals through round one of its Community Grants Program
• The grants support local not‐for‐profit organisations and community initiatives in the South West

The South West arts and culture scene has received a funding boost with a variety of vibrant regional initiatives supported through Albemarle’s 2023 Community Grants Program.

Grants were allocated to community‐focused projects and cultural events, including Bunbury’s Films on the Fringe Festival, CinefestOZ’s Cinesnaps and IndigifestOZ programs, the South West Indian Group’s Bunbury Diwali Festival of Lights, and the Stirling Street Arts Centre’s Art in the Garden event.

Albemarle Australia Country Manager Beverley East said local arts projects and festivals had the power to strengthen, unify and inspire joy among communities.

“The grants program is designed to support activities and projects that build community fabric and are meaningful to the local community, and this includes initiatives that actively support the local arts scene and culture across the South West region,” Ms East said.

“Through the arts we can collectively celebrate creative talent, foster cultural understanding, stimulate economic growth, improve health and wellbeing, and make regional areas vibrant places to live and work.”

Ms East said Bunbury’s Films on the Fringe Festival, which runs until the end of August, was a good example of how local art events brought people together.

Bunbury Fringe Artistic Director Jo O’Dea said when the group came up with the concept of a winter film program, their first priority was to seek funding support.

“Without the support of Albemarle, the film program would not have happened, and we are eternally grateful for the company’s belief in what we do,” she said. “It is especially gratifying to see Albemarle representatives attend the events as this is the best way for them to see the impact Bunbury Fringe has on our community.”

CinefestOZ’s Grace Pusey said she was excited to welcome Albemarle onboard for the 2023 festival.

“Albemarle’s generous support has played a pivotal role in bringing this year’s schools program to life, enabling the festival to reach a wider audience in Bunbury and offer a platform for aspiring filmmakers,” she said. “Thanks to Albemarle's partnership, Cinesnaps has been able to uphold its commitment to celebrating creativity and storytelling of young adults, nurturing the emerging talents of the film industry, and fostering a vibrant cinematic community in the Bunbury region."

Other not‐for‐profit and community arts organisations awarded grants and sponsorship include the South West Opera Company’s Pirates of Penzance Production, the Bunbury Musical Comedy Group and the Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival, which will use the funding to engage young people to paint a mural for a local park.

The Bunbury Regional Theatre also received funding for the transportation of up to 150 school students from Yarloop, Brunswick Junction and Harvey primary schools in October to see the puppet musical ‘Hiccup’.

For more information about Albemarle’s Community Grants Program visit www.albemarle.au/community