THE arts community may have changed and adapted to what the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown at it this year, but that doesn't mean support should be any less.
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Western Riverina Arts has reported artists and programs under its umbrella have been able to pivot and embrace creativity of different varieties during the ongoing health crisis, but more support will be required to ensure these people can continue making a living.
The arts community was one of the last to receive federal government assistance via funding during the pandemic.
However, Western Riverina Arts regional arts executive director Aanya Whitehead said the pandemic continued to have a big impact.
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"I think the creative community is so resilient ... but we don't want this area to be 'ignored' as such when it comes to funding and being supported," she said.
"The year had been looking fantastic. There was so much going on.
"A lot of our wonderful artists have still been working on projects, taking their ideas online into the virtual space."
Last week it was announced Western Riverina Arts would receive $9800 for its Yarruwala Wiradjuri Digitisation Platform Project in order to digitise sections of the Yarruwala Wiradjuri Cultural Festival.
This festival, which aims to celebrate Wiradjuri culture of all types, is due to be held in Griffith and it is hoped aspects of it will also go ahead throughout the wider MIA area.
Artists have also been encouraged to apply for the Joyce Spencer Textiles Fellowship, which offers funding of up to $4000 for a successful applicant. Applications close on July 18.
Assisting in ensuring the arts community continues to have space to thrive is the new Leeton Museum and Art Gallery.
A photography exhibition from the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists, which is free to visit.
In the meantime, Ms Whitehead said she would continue to help artists through the ever-evolving pandemic.
"We're certainly continuing to reach out to artists in the local government areas we cover and checking in to make sure they are doing okay," she said.
