Tambo Arts Council, which oversees the Grassland Art Gallery, is one of four successful Maranoa groups in the community arts sector to receive a boost.
It has been granted $3000 to stage its inaugural art prize exhibition, Grasslands – View from my window.
The Grassland Art Gallery is the only Council-supported, purpose-built, climate controlled facility within a 300km radius, extending from Longreach to Roma.
It has a rotating exhibition program of locally produced and curated displays, regional artists and touring exhibitions.
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council mayor Andrew Martin said $3000 to a town like Tambo was an enormous “shot in the arm”.
He said Tambo was the oldest town in western Queensland – it was gazetted in 1863 – and has a rich cultural heritage and active artistic community.
“The grant will be invaluable for the group and foster more involvement in the arts sector,” Cr Martin said.
“The Tambo artistic community is motivated and productive, holding a wide variety of displays and exhibitions.”
Blackbutt Art Gallery, meanwhile, received $1128 to replace inefficient lighting; Winton District Historical Society & Museum $3000 to digitise photographs, and Sister Kenny Memorial Museum $3000 to repaint its interior.
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said that more than $135,000 will flow to 50 organisations across the country, including $10,128 across the four Maranoa groups.
He encouraged community-run arts, cultural and heritage organisations in Maranoa to apply for a CHART program grant.
“This will help us to continue offering appealing cultural tourism experiences in our regional communities, as well as helping to rebuild local economies,” he said.
Applications are open until April 2022 or until allocated funding is spent.
