COUNTRY Arts SA and the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund will inject a further $26,000 into the Coorong District’s project, Creating Coonalpyn.
Majority of the funding will support development of all six community-led arts projects, including the flagship sky-high mural on the Coonalpyn silos.
A portion of the money will be dedicated to the evaluation of the project.
Coorong District Council Mayor Neville Jaensch welcomed the funding.
“We have known since its inception, that Creating Coonalpyn has the capacity to provide incredible outcomes for our community’s economy, beautification, civic pride, mental health and community connectivity,” he said.
“This recent funding shows support from state and federal governments as well, and reiterates the project’s strength in building rural renewal through arts.”
Mr Jaensch said the funding will not only help complete the works, but also give an insight into the feasibility of potential future projects in other Coorong towns.
“It will provide evidence for funding bodies to see where positive impacts have contributed to regional renewal.
Essentially, Creating Coonalpyn will form a test case for other small communities in decline,” he said.
Other projects in the Dukes Highway town include an upgrade to the existing student artwork installed in the highway underpass, a high-impact visual artwork along the highway route, a large mosaic works in the centre of town, and an environmental installation representing 20 nylon applique panels.
Creating Coonalpyn was one of 15 projects for regional South Australia to have received a total of $146,965 under the program.
Other projects included $16,683 to ‘ArtEdges of the World’ in Whyalla and $20,000 to projects in both Mount Gambier and the Riverland.
Country Arts SA’s Regional Arts Fund Quick Step Program allows regional artists to access professional arts development and training opportunities, or communities with small project opportunities that arise at short notice.
