Local Muso Nerida Cuddy has been granted funding from Arts OutWest.
Local Canowindra singer/songwriter Nerida Cuddy is very pleased to have been awarded a micro grant from Arts OutWest last week. The grants are intended for use by creative artists in the region for arts projects based around improving the negative effects of COVID-19 on their arts practise or their community.
Nerida had been hoping to produce a new album this year, working with a Blue Mountains based producer.
Nerida had busked a few times in Canowindra’s main street in order to practise the songs, raise awareness and funds for the project, and add to the creativity and enjoyment of the town’s centre.
However once COVID-19 hit it put the album, and the busking, on hold, so Nerida decided to pour her lockdown efforts into producing a live song on youtube each week, in order to continue bringing musical cheer and connection to the community.
“The songs have been shared through the CANOWINDRA +99km WHAT’S ON Facebook page, as well as the NERIDA CUDDY – MUSIC page, and have been positively received, prompting discussion, sharing and even requests,” said Nerida.
It has also helped Nerida continue to grow as a musician, and also grow in her use of relevant technology.
With the help of the Arts OutWest grant, Nerida will be able to improve the quality of these musical offerings, using better sound and film gear. This regular online song ‘blog’ will continue long term, even after we are all once again outside enjoying the weekend vibe along Gaskill St.
Craig Lawler from Blind Freddy’s Bushranger Tours. Image by Brian Rapsey.
Blind Freddy Bushranger Tours in Canowindra was also a successful Arts OutWest grant recipient.
“Arts OutWest decided that with the pandemic, some of their funding, that was not being used due to the shutdown, could be redeployed to assist creative people who have been affected, to assist them in continuing their work in other ways,” said Craig Lawler from Blind Freddy’s.
“My application asked for assistance in purchasing a microphone and digital audio recorder so that I could better produce pod- casts to tell historical tales about Central West NSW. I had already begun this project but, my equipment was improvised from what I have at home and, was not producing high quality audio. The new equipment will make the process simpler and produce better results,” continued Mr Lawler.
“My first podcast will be a fascinating tale about “Who is Blind Freddy?”
A planned future series of podcasts will deal with the lives and relationships of the bushranger Frank Gardiner and his paramour Kitty Brown.