Far west NSW 2025 CASP grants will inject more than $19,000 into theatre and circus workshops, an arts festival, and equipment to help boost artists’ and musicians’ practices and raise their profiles.   

West Darling Arts, the Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) for far west NSW, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Country Arts Support Program (CASP) grants.  
 
This annual small grants initiative, funded by Create NSW and managed by RADOs, empowers communities across New South Wales by supporting innovative arts projects that enrich local culture. In 2025, more than $19,000 will be distributed to talented individuals and groups within our far west NSW footprint. 

The CASP grants align with the objectives of Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program: 

• Grow creative leadership and programming excellence in NSW. 
• Strengthen arts and cultural activity that drives community and social benefits. 
• Showcase NSW as a leader in strategic arts governance and financial management. 

This year’s recipients represent a dynamic mix of creative individuals and organisations, all contributing to the cultural fabric of our region. 

Individual Recipients 

Em Jensen Broken Hill-based photographer and journalist Em Jensen will use her grant to print and exhibit a captivating photo series documenting the events and people of the Far West. This exhibition will open at the Broken Hill City Art Gallery in May 2025. 

Tane Ngata Music producer and artist Tane Ngata will acquire an audio mixer to record original music, enabling him to expand his creative practice. 

Megan Gilbert Multidisciplinary artist Megan Gilbert will purchase equipment to enhance her creative business operations, including design, communication, and marketing for her fashion and textiles label Moogie. 

Jason King Filmmaker Jason King will invest in a broadcast-quality shotgun microphone to develop high-end film and audio projects, including a sound bank of locally recorded effects. 

Joshua de Gruchy Visual artist Joshua de Gruchy will obtain a digital camera to document his practice, create social media content, and construct professional art applications. 

Organisational Recipients 

Broken Hill Repertory Society will run writing, acting, and directing workshops led by industry professionals, culminating in performances of short works by local talent. 

Outback Theatre for Young People will host a visiting artist from Cirkidz to teach stilt walking and other circus skills to Wilcannia’s local troupe, enriching their community performances. 

Broken Hill Art Exchange will put the grant toward the continuation and development of ‘Desert Equinox’, a three-night off-grid exhibition, showcasing 20 site-specific environmental art installations, powered by solar technology at Imperial Lakes. 

West Darling Arts congratulates all recipients and looks forward to witnessing the impact of their projects. These grants reaffirm our commitment to fostering creativity and cultural vitality in far west NSW. 

West Darling Arts congratulates all recipients and looks forward to witnessing the impact of their projects. These grants reaffirm our commitment to fostering creativity and cultural vitality in far west NSW. 

IMAGE: Broken Hill photographer, journalist and 2025 CASP Recipient Em Jensen. Courtesy Em Jensen