BERRI Barmera Council will provide rebates for artists looking to hold activities in the district during the South Australian Living Arts Festival (SALA) this August.
Artists, both local and non-local, who use venues in the Berri Barmera district will receive a subsidy from council, with a total allocation of $6000 available.
In a report to council, communications administration officer Cathy LeMaistre said increasing the number of festival events in the region would provide an opportunity to “attract visitors, increase tourism, activate our venues and further develop our local artistic culture”.
“It is proposed that by providing financial support for local artists to exhibit their work, activate our facilities and offer art workshops during the SALA Festival, we can take a simple step towards strengthening and broadening the creativity and vibrancy of our district,” she said.
“Subsidy recipients will be responsible for the project management of their exhibitions and activities including curation, negotiation with venues, set up, staffing and promotion.
“Council will work in partnership with recipients and the arts community to play a coordinating role to match artists with venues and the possible use of council facilities if required.
“It is believed that this incentive would ensure stronger SALA participation in our council area and support the Riverland wide networking that is required to facilitate an active arts community for our region.”
Berri Barmera Council CEO Karyn Burton said council would assist festival organisers and participants where possible.
“Council encourage and assist eligible participants to take part in SALA,” she said.
“It is another event that brings people to the Berri Barmera area from outside of the district.
“It will obviously provide an economic benefit for the council as well.”
The SALA Festival is currently scheduled to run for the entire month of August.