Hunter-based, not-for-profit organisation, This is Not Art (TiNA) has provided $178,000 worth of funding, paid opportunities, and professional development to artists over the last 12 months.

TiNA Chair, Kate Baartz said that it’s important to support artists now more than ever after two years of uncertainty and cancellations due to Covid-19.

“I’m proud that we have been able to put money in the pockets of artists, provide opportunities to showcase work and develop skills in the business side of art,” Kate said.

“Our flagship event, This is Not Art Festival showcases emerging and experimental art and our programs throughout the year are an extension of these opportunities.

“We have done a lot of work over the last 18 months making sure the services we provide are what our artistic community needs.”

TiNA Executive Manager, Lauren Van Katwyk says there is so much to build on from what was achieved in the last year.

“We ran grant programs, held professional development workshops, and held This is Not Art Festival. All of these are about supporting artists and art in the Hunter,” Lauren said.

Lauren said that TiNA has developed strong relationships with local councils and the government arts sector.

“This relationship has allowed us to work closely with local producers by supporting their projects and providing mentoring to help build a strong arts ecosystem.”

TiNA has also recently appointed a largely unchanged board for the next 12 months and are working on the 25th edition of This is Not Art Festival which will be happening throughout October 2022.

IMAGE | Amelia Besseny from Impatiens performing at TiNA Takeover, held at Newcastle Museum