A NEW project to activate empty shopfronts in the heart of Wagga has received a huge cash injection.
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Eastern Riverina Arts secured $330,000 from the state government that could see vacant buildings in the central business district revitalise as soon as social distancing rules come to an end.
Executive director Tim Kurylowicz said the initiative is about giving creators and artists a space to showcase their works while bringing new life to city centres.
It could mean these vacant shops might be filled with live entertainment and performances to art exhibitions and displays.
"We want to see creative, innovative and fun ideas that really activates our city centres," Mr Kurylowicz said.
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He said this project was needed now more than ever with the creative industry to play an important part in strengthening and diversifying the economy once businesses are able to reopen.
"It makes the city more vibrant and fun and then you get the knock on affects - so more bands, fun events and a boost in liveability," he said.
"All those things were important before coronavirus and now they are essential."
One of the interested creators Kate Allman is looking to transform an under-utilised building into an artist-run space where creative minds could work from and bounce ideas off each other.
"While we have the wonderful art gallery, Eastern Riverina Arts and other cultural spaces run by local institutions, we always thought it would be cool to have a space that is run by artists for artists," she said.
"When I speak with artists in the region, the one thing that always comes up is space - I don't have my own space carved out at home, space big enough to look over my shoulder and ask a peer for advice."
The main obstacle in the way for Ms Allman to bring the idea to life has been funding and time.
She said the new initiative spearheaded by Eastern Riverina Arts gave not only financial support, but creative and emotional, so she could feel confident that the idea was executed in a sustainable way.
Wagga MLC Wes Fang said the three-year project was a great initiative that coordinated vacant shops, offices, and other public buildings and making them available for short term use for creators.
"It is always sad to see a vacant sign in the window of a shop or office but at least this way, the space can be utilised for the betterment of our community," he said.
"This project has great potential to foster new community initiatives, drive cultural activity and creative industry."