Festival executive committee members Ron Stuurstraat and Gabriell Morris celebrate the two-year funding agreement with Shire President David Lavell.
Camera IconFestival executive committee members Ron Stuurstraat and Gabriell Morris celebrate the two-year funding agreement with Shire President David Lavell. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Darlington Arts Festival aims high thanks to Shire contribution

Lynn GriersonHills Avon Valley Gazette

Shire President David Lavell said a two-year agreement with the Darlington Arts Festival had recently been finalised.

“The Shire has a long history of supporting this local annual event, which began in 1963,” he said.

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“It is proud to commit to funding the festival for an additional two years, contributing $10,000 a year to the running of the event.

“This is a fantastic community event which puts our Shire on the map as an artistic hub, showcasing the talents of our local residents and those further afield.”

Festival president Peter Nicholls said the two-year agreement gave the event some additional certainty when planning and resourcing for the year ahead.

“The festival costs around $120,000 a year to run, so the Shire funding plus the additional waiving of facility hire fees does make a significant difference, particularly in these more challenging economic times,” he said.

“The funding allows us to improve the presentation of exhibited art assisting us to attract a higher calibre of artists and, in turn, a greater number of visitors to the festival.”

The festival committee was particularly focused on attracting and engaging youth.

The 2016 festival runs on November 5 and 6.