Organisations must request a grant of at least $2,000 with the total funding pool at $10,000.

It has been three years since these grants were last offered according to Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services, Shellie Buckle.

"In 2012, 13 and 14 the grant program was put on hold to enable Council to engage a consultant to prepare the "Parkes Shire Cultural Spaces Plan". This strategic document has been adopted and implemented, so it is time for the grants to be made available again," said Shellie.

The objectives of the Program are to stimulate community cultural activity, encourage creative and innovative cultural activity, assist in the development of skills and abilities and enhance cultural facilities and community awareness of the importance of culture.

Conditions of funding include:

Organisations applying for funds should be based within the boundaries of the Shire of Parkes and/or principally serve Parkes Shire residents. 

Applying organisations must be incorporated local non-for-profit community groups or arts organisations, or artists working with an incorporated non-for-profit group.

Applications must address local community needs.

Applications must be made on the Cultural Grants Program Application form.

Grant requests are to be a minimum of $2,000

Funding categories include seeding subsidy for a new project, extension or enhancement of an existing project, purchase of equipment or minor capital works.

Previous recipients of a Shire cultural grant include Tullamore Irish Festival (Irish dances and circus workshop), Parkes Shire Concert Band (orchestral stands and scores), and Parkes & District Country Music (musical equipment).

Cultural Grants application forms are available on Council's website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au, or at any Parkes Shire Library (Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore).

Contact Council's Grant Officers, Sally Chapman or Ellie O'Donoghue, 6861 2398 for advice and support in completing the application.