The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in our regions, boosting economic growth across the Territory’s art and cultural sectors and creating jobs in regional areas.

Since early 2017, the Arts Trail Regional Stimulus Grants have provided more than $3.2 million for 50 projects that enhance arts and cultural facilities across the Territory for the benefit of artists and visitors. A total of 24 projects have already been completed to date with 26 projects still underway.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss today announced funding for two new Central Desert projects through the program.

Desart received a total of $56,224 for upgrades to the Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists studio in Alice Springs, a supported studio that provides access for Aboriginal artists living with a disability. The funding will support upgrades to the interior fit out and storage, new workbenches for participating artists and an extension to the arts studio.

The Iltja Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation received $71,300 for additional outdoor structures as part of the upgrades underway at the Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre in Alice Springs. 

The home of Namatjira watercolour artists, the Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre is Aboriginal owned and directed and provides a place for visitors to meet Arrernte artists who come together to paint, share and learn new techniques.

The new funding round opens on Thursday 18 April 2019 and closes on Monday 17 June 2019. 

For more information including grant guidelines visit www.nt.gov.au/artstrail

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“The Territory Labor Government is investing $106 million to build a nationally significant Arts Trail throughout the Territory to support and grow our arts and cultural industry and provide new and enhanced attractions for national and international visitors.

“The Arts Trail Regional Stimulus Grant program is part of this investment and is boosting economic growth across the Territory’s art and cultural sectors and creating jobs in regional areas.

“The prolific works and output of Desart, Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists and Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre is very important to our national arts landscape. 

“This is why our art and culture is a major drawcard for national and international tourists, and this is why we are building National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs.

“In February this year the Government launched a tourism marketing campaign to position the Territory as ‘the world’s biggest art gallery,’ to promote our distinctive Aboriginal art and culture and to encourage visitors to the Territory.

“The new Territory Arts Trail campaign has been made possible through the Government’s $103 million Turbocharging Tourism package which is bringing thousands of more visitors to the Territory, injecting millions of dollars into the economy and supporting local jobs.”

Quotes from Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield:

“Investing in our Aboriginal arts and culture industry is also about investing in tourism - both of which are major economic drivers and supporting jobs here in the Central Australia.

“Investing in our galleries is so important, creating a cultural link that spans across the entire Territory.”

Media Contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242