Orana Arts signs with five councils

MEDIA RELEASE: COURTEST Orana Arts

Orana Arts has benefited recently from the signing of an important document, which will set the organisation up to better service five Local Government areas into 2012.

Orana Arts is a non profit professional arts organisation covering the Local Government Areas of Dubbo, Gilgandra, Mid Western, Narromine and Warrumbungle Councils.

The Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the General Manager and Mayor in each Council, who will provide funding support to Orana Arts for each financial year on the agreed rate of per head of population, increased with CPI on an annual basis.

Chairperson of Orana Arts Incorporated Ms Jen Shearing commented there are eight points of reference for the relationship to Orana Arts that the Councils agreed to by signing this important document.

“By signing, the contributing Councils identify Orana Arts as creating a significant contribution to arts and cultural development of the region, and will provide key support to Orana Arts to achieve their goals.”

“We are delighted that the Councils currently actively encourage individuals, groups and organisations in their local area to access the services of Orana Arts. As funding for arts organisations can sometimes be sporadic, we sincerely thank the contributing councils for placing the organisation in such high regard and ensuring funding for the current triennial period. Orana Arts can now more accurately forecast and plan for the future.”

This MOU mirrors the Arts NSW Triennial Funding agreement from 2010-2012. As part of the agreed services Orana Arts will to deliver core services as defined in the strategic plan and report regularly to Councils and their representatives on the board.

Now in the sixth year of operation, Orana Arts have settled into a steady project delivery mode. 2010 has already seen over 500 people from a variety of backgrounds participate in Orana Arts programs across the region, from film to hip hop, to learning and development programs.

The next two months will focus on the delivery of 24 in-schools programs, in partnership with the Western Plains Cultural Centre and a school holiday outreach tour to 10 communities in partnership with Macquarie Conservatorium.

For further information see: www.oranaarts.com