We are thrilled to announce the successful recipients of our 2025 Country Arts Support Program grants! We received a record number of high quality applications this year and sincerely thank everyone who took the time to apply.
These are the 11 exciting projects that will be supported through our 2025 Country Arts Support Program:
- Jade Naidu – Gumbaynggnirr Choreography for ‘Threads – A New Australian Eco Musical’
Threads is a new eco-musical by local writer Jade Naidu, featuring Gumbaynggirr choreography by Gloria Mercy of Jalay Jalay Dance Troupe. Premiering in Coffs Harbour/Gumbaynggirr Country in January 2026, it weaves poetry, movement, and ecology to reflect the region’s rich cultural and environmental landscape. - Nicola Lewis – Cuban Regional Arts Project
This 10-day residency unites distinguished musicians and dancers to develop a unique Cuban-inspired style through rehearsals, workshops, and mentoring. Blending tradition and innovation, the project fosters cultural exchange and artistic growth, with plans for future performances, community engagement, and a regional tour to broaden reach and deepen cultural appreciation. - Wauchope Community Arts Council Inc – Singer Songwriting Workshop
A song writing workshop and performance for local musicians to enhance their song writing skills and thanking them for their ongoing support they have given to Wauchope Arts by performing at fundraising events and supporting touring artists. - Sarah Mufford – “Ornament”: A solo exhibition at Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery, Kempsey
“Ornament” is a solo exhibition and installation of geometric paintings and designed wallpaper by Coffs Harbour visual artist Sarah Mufford to be exhibited at the Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery, Slim Dusty Centre, Kempsey. The exhibition opens in Dec 2025 and will run until February 2026 with a community engagement workshop in January. - Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival Inc – Brushin’ Up The Backdrop
“Brushin’ Up The Backdrop” will engage young people (12 to 17 years) in an after-school arts project to co-design and paint 3 stage backdrops for the Dorrigo festival. One detailing an Indigenous theme, the others depicting the unique landscape/features of the Dorrigo area – the mountains, rainforest, waterfalls. - Dr Salvatore Rossano – Ancestral Voices
“Ancestral Voices” brings together five culturally diverse musicians participating in Taranta Festival for a focused afternoon collaborative songwriting session led by Dr. Salvatore Rossano in Bellingen (November 2025). Artists from Italian, African, Balkan, Indian and Latin American traditions will create and premiere an original cross-cultural song at the festival. - Bellingen Community Arts Council Inc – Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend
Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend is a collaboration of arts organisations across the Shire from Bostobrick to Urunga. Up to 90 artists and performers will open their studios, galleries and performance spaces for workshops, displays, exhibitions and performances throughout the weekend. - Amuramy Martins Cavanagh – Imagination In Motion
“Imagination in Motion” is an exciting kids’ workshop to be held at Stuarts Point Art House. Children aged 6–12 will create a 30-minute play by crafting their characters and storyline, inspired by children’s books. - Kelly Purvis – Blood Lines, Heart Lands
Development and exhibition of a body of work about the varied experiences of motherhood and the bond between mother and child. - Yunchan Mai – Love Letters To Nature
Love Letters to Nature is a two-hour creative writing workshop open to all, held in community halls across Port Macquarie from July 2025. Through simple, nature-based exercises, participants will craft heartfelt letters celebrating connection, gratitude, and belonging with the natural world. - Dr Phillipa Beale – Open Studio at Half Art
Two open studio events at a new creative space called Half Art Studio in the old Fredrickton Cheese Factory as part of a larger project using algae to take living photographs.
The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is an annual small grant program administered by Arts Mid North Coast through devolved funding from Create NSW.
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