Six regional areas across the State will have their collections digitally brought to life with close to $1.26 million in funding, made available under the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund. These new digitisation hubs will be established in Tamworth, Albury, Maitland, Shoalhaven, Lake Macquarie and Warrumbungle councils.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the funding will enhance digitisation capabilities across NSW and improve access to important regional collections.
“These digitisation hubs will provide greater access and engagement with our regional museums and collections across NSW. This funding allows for the digitisation of significant artworks, museum objects and archives, while upskilling and employing professionals and volunteers in the field.
“These six projects will kickstart digitisation in the regions by injecting funds for much needed specialised equipment, training and resources, creating a scalable mechanism to continue preserving our amazing regional collections into the future.
“The partnership model means regional hubs will be able to share equipment and expertise with the smaller, and potentially volunteer-run, museums, galleries and Aboriginal Keeping Places in the area, passing on the technical skills that digitisation requires,” said Mr Harwin.
Highlights of the digitised collections will also be showcased on the Museums & Galleries of NSW Collections and Stories website, which will be further developed and launched as part of this funding. This platform will provide a ‘virtual regional museum’ to explore, research, educate and connect the unique collections of NSW.
The six digitisation projects will deliver an innovative hub and spoke model that will create and enhance partnerships between established and emerging digitisation hubs. Further information on the six digitisations projects is here.
Source: NSW Government