Lake Mac Invests in Creativity During Time of Crisis

Lake Macquarie artists have been given the opportunity to receive grants of up to $2,500 in a Council program aimed at supporting the City’s creative community during COVID-19.

Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the grants, worth a total of $11,500, recognised the importance of strengthening the City’s cultural and creative industries.

“COVID-19 has caused uncertainty and posed challenges for many of our local artists,” Ms Hemsley said.

“This funding program aims to provide support and inspire their creativity.”

“It’s an opportunity for innovation and for people to think about the contribution the arts make to society, whatever else is happening in the world.”

Applicants can apply for the second round of grants within five categories: Research and Development, Creative Presentation, Emerging Musician and Creative Professional Development. Council awarded $13,500 last week in first-round grants to 10 local applicants.

Among last week’s grant recipients was local creative Alexandra Mangano, who will use the funding to help develop SILLY-YAK, a children’s book that lends a voice to young people with coeliac disease. For Ms Mangano, the grant is a helping hand in realising her creative vision.

"It is such an amazing opportunity to get support from Lake Macquarie City Council to grow my creative project,” she said.

Help with applications is available by contacting culturalprojects@lakemac.nsw.gov.au, or by calling 02 4921 0333.

To submit your application, go to www.lakemac.smartygrants.com. Applications for the second round of grants close at 5pm Monday 25 May.