The Escape ARTfest committee have announced the recipients of the Fast Forward grants this week.
The grant is designed to help artists better themselves and the artistic community.
Sculptor Nadja Burke a ceramics artist and painter, Kyla Stone will receive funding through the program.
Nadja will use her funding to attend a week long clay event in Gulgong to improve her skills and learn some new ones.
Kyla will use the funding to attend watercolour portrait workshops with former Archibald Prize winner Cherry Hood.
Escape ARTfest 2016 is calling for artists who want to be part of the gallery program during the festival.
The annual creative arts festival boasts an enviable number of individual events across it’s two week calendar.
The line up of arts include music, literature, film, photography, dance, drama and the visual arts.
Festival Coordinator Julie Sydenham is happy with the way the festival is coming together so far.
"We have quite a few new and exciting events happening this year,” Julie said
“It's going to be an inspiring program."
One of the key features of the 2016 festival is the number of individual exhibitions that are happening as part of the program.
"We have a wealth of talented local artists who are able to showcase their work during this time,” Julie said.
Most years have featureed more than 40 exhibitions and anywhere could be a potential gallery.
"We need to hear very soon from any artists wanting to be on the program," Julie said.
Artists who would like to participate can either source their own venues or contact the committee for a list of venues looking for artists.
Venues seeking artists can also contact the organising committee to indicate their interest.
"There's such a great vibe around the district over the festival period and both venues and artists definitely benefit by being involved," said Julie
Once artists have venues organised they need to register via the website at www.escapeartfest.com.au. Questions can be directed to the committee via the website.
