New two-day festival coming to the Coffs Coast gets a federal funding boost
“It is so pleasing to see our creative sector getting back on its feet.” New two-day festival coming to the Coffs Coast in August.
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A new two-day festival coming to the Coffs Coast in August will get a cash injection from a federal fund aimed at revitalising the creative sector hit hard by the impacts of COVID-19.
The River Sounds Music Festival, to take place in Bellingen, received $60,000 from the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.
The Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF) which kicks off this week in Coffs Harbour received $345,000 from the fund.
The Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund was introduced to reactivate the arts and entertainment sector, and to provide increased employment opportunities and economic activity.
It is also designed to build the long-term sustainability of cultural and creative organisations, and to provide experiences to audiences across Australia.
Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan said the funding will create jobs and bolster our local cultural and creative sector who’ve been through a particularly difficult time.
“Creativity and the arts are a vital part of the economic and social life of our region, and our community are really looking forward to once again being able to experience a diverse range of high-quality events and activities,” said Mr Conaghan.
River Sounds organiser, Ben Lewis said he’s over the moon about the festival being successful in securing RISE funding.
“The funding is being used to assist my team to create a brand new music festival for Regional NSW, located in the artisan village of Bellingen,” Mr Lewis said.
“The funding is primarily being spent on securing a diverse line-up of high profile and emerging artists guaranteed to rock your socks off, and we’ll be announcing this on May 1 on our website and socials.”
River Sounds Festival runs over two days and will employ a large number of artists and arts workers.
It will provide a huge social and economic boost for the community of Bellingen after having high-profile arts events cancelled over the past 12 months.
“It is so pleasing to see our creative sector getting back on its feet, and I encourage our community to get out there and support our arts and entertainment industries,” Mr Conaghan said.
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