Regional funding announced for arts in Australia and education in the UK

In Australia, Arts North West has announced $18,000 in funding through the 2026 Country Arts Support Program to benefit seven projects across the New England North West region. The funding supports diverse disciplines including literature, music, visual arts, digital media, and heritage in locations such as Armidale, Tamworth, and Glen Innes.

Specific allocations include $2,500 for the New England Writers’ Centre to host literary events in 2027, $3,000 for the New England Bach Festival, and $3,000 for the Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum. In Tamworth, $2,500 will assist the Tamworth Art Academy in developing a locally inspired video game. Additionally, $3,000 is designated for the ‘Flock Together’ artist exchange project in Gunnedah and Bendemeer.

In the United Kingdom, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) is considering an £8.1 million investment through its Post-16 Sufficiency Capital Programme. The proposal aims to create more than 1,600 additional education and training places across seven local authority areas to meet rising demand among 16 to 18-year-olds.

If approved, the funds will support colleges, sixth forms, and academies by refurbishing buildings, creating vocational facilities, and expanding special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision. Targeted institutions include Newcastle College, Gateshead College, and several others across the North East region.