Local Councils win cultural grants

Deniliquin Council, the Town of Port Headland and Maribyrnong City Council are amongst 54 recipients of grants totalling $760,000 under the first round of the Australian Experience 1996 Program.

An initiative of the Australia Foundation for Culture and the Humanities Ltd, the program aims to support a diverse range of cultural activity throughout Australia, particularly in regional areas. It complements the work the Foundation does in developing major projects and programs, and in increasing private sector support for culture and the humanities.

The Australian Experience comprises eight individual programs ranging from Oral History and Folklife to Publishing. Five programs were offered in the first round, including the Interpretation of Cultural Sites Program under which the three Councils were successful. These Councils, in partnership with other organisations, will use the grants to develop historical markers or town walks highlighting historical buildings, streetscapes and cultural sites in their districts.

A second round of The Australian Experience closes in September and will offer the following programs: Publishing; Oral History and Folklife; Celebrations and Commemorations; Communicating Conferences and Travel Fellowships.

Applications are open to organisations and in the case of the Travel Fellowships, individuals. Travel Fellowships are offered for professional development travel within Australia for scholars or practitioners examining developments in the following areas: architecture and design; indigenous studies; museums and heritage studies; studies of regionalism; and explorations of community organisations. Applicants should first contact the Australia Foundation to obtain a copy of The Australian Experience 1996 September Round booklet.

For further information or a copy of the booklet phone 1800 064 201.