Performers at NORPA’s studio space are smiling a bit brighter thanks to a $53,000 NSW Government grant.
Lismore MP Thomas George (Nationals) said the funding will see audio-visual, lighting and sound equipment installed at the venue on the ground floor of NORPA’s Lismore City Hall home base.
NORPA’s GM Patrick Healey said the refurbishment ‘ will provide sound and lighting equipment to create one of the finest spaces for making new theatre in regional Australia’.
‘It will help keep regional voices alive by providing a makers hub for creative developments, such NORPA’s Wildskin currently in rehearsals, and for new works like our recent collaboration with Brisbane’s Belloo Creative for Rovers, or with Kate McDowell’s recent work, Wonderbabes,’ said Patrick Healey, NORPA General Manager ’It will also provide a new space for smaller performances and bands, and very excitingly, provide a quality space for more than 5,000 primary and secondary students who participate in NORPA’s Education Program each year’
Mr George said, ‘NORPA is fast becoming a leading attraction for Lismore and it’s vital the NSW Government continue to support and develop the space so it can attract more major productions into the future’.
‘The project will help the venue create a dynamic and vibrant studio performance space that a diverse range of artists and creative groups from across the region can use,’ he said.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the project is funded through the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants program.
‘More than $50 million in funding is being provided during this current term of government for projects across sport and recreation, emergency preparedness, and arts and culture,’ Mr Toole said.
‘These grants are funded by a contribution from the state’s registered clubs to reinvest profits from gaming machines back into community projects.’