Arts and Health, hand in hand in 2017 ‘Swell’ – the arts health initiative launched by South East Arts just two months ago finishes 2016 with great momentum and significant money in the bank. Contributions from the community and corporate sectors have seen the associated fundraising campaign reach its half way mark. Andrew Gray, General Manager, South East Arts says over $15,000 has been raised in a short amount of time. “A significant achievement, we are well on our way towards raising $30,000 by March 2017 which will be matched by Creative Partnerships Australia Plus 1 funding. That support will enable us to employ an arts and health project officer who can turn this vision into reality for the region,” Mr Gray says. Arts and health come together as ‘Swell’ - the practice of using the arts to improve health and wellbeing, as well as enhancing health care experiences for patients and their support networks – including health professionals. South East Arts has developed a regional strategy to guide our work across the Monaro, Snowy Mountains, Bega Valley and Eurobodalla. “Our vision is to build stronger, healthier, and happier communities and even before we have reached our target we have been able to start making ground,” Mr Gray says. “In the New Year we’ll be working with Iain Dawson from the Bega Valley Regional Gallery on a series of art and dementia workshops. “And just this week we have received support from Bega Valley Shire Council and their Seniors Festival grants to run improvisation workshops for seniors,” Mr Gray says. There is still time to contribute to the fund and show your support for ‘Swell – the art of being well.’ Recent donors include Bega Cheese ($5000), a local individual donor ($5000), the Sidney Myer Foundation through Lindy Hume ($2000) and Morgans Financial Limited of Merimbula ($1500), as well as Wildbrumby Distillery, The Triangle and other various community donors. “Thank you to those who have seen the potential in this strategy, you send us into 2017 with a sense of determination,” Mr Gray says. To support the work of South East Arts go to www.southeastarts.org.au Media Release
Above: Kerrie Davies & Ross Beattie Forbes Hospital ....Photo Kim Storey
