Lower South West arts groups to share in Federal funding to draw more tourists

Three groups from across the lower South West are set to share in Federal funding from the Australian Government’s Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism program.

Northcliffe-based Southern Forests Arts, Boyup Brook’s Tourism Association and Bridgetown’s WA Bush Fire Museum and Heritage group will each receive funding from the program.

Southern Forest Arts will receive $3000 to restore six pieces of artwork along the understorey art and nature trail to draw more visitors to the gallery.

The tourism association has received $3000 for a graphic designer to create a new brochure for it, and the Bridgetown WA Bush Fire Museum and Heritage Group has been granted $1789 to buy archival material for its collection.

O’Connor MHR Rick Wilson said the grants would help regional areas boost tourism numbers.

“I encourage community-run arts, cultural and heritage organisations in the O’Connor electorate to apply for a grant today, which will help our regional communities continue to offer appealing cultural tourism experiences,” he said.

Applications for the grant scheme are open until April 29, or until the $3m funding is exhausted.