2026 Individual CASP grant recipients announced

West Darling Arts is delighted to announce the five recipients of the 2026 Country Arts Support Program (CASP) grants, supporting creative projects that will make a meaningful impact across Far West NSW.

Selected from a highly competitive field of applications, each recipient will receive $1,000 towards the development and delivery of projects that reflect the creativity, cultural knowledge, environmental awareness and community spirit of our region.

The 2026 recipients are Anika Molesworth, Barb Quayle, Rebecca Pedler, Kirsten Chow and Britny Marsden.

• Dr Anika Molesworth will use her grant to support the printing and publication of In Our Hands, a children’s picture book that invites young readers to connect with the natural world and imagine their role in caring for Country. Through lyrical storytelling, rich illustrations and accessible environmental themes, the book aims to inspire creativity, courage and collective action. The project will also include community engagement in Broken Hill, with author talks, creative workshops, school visits and educational resources for classrooms.
  
  
• Barkindji artist Barb Quayle will host Let’s Go – Rejuvenate & Reconnect, a women’s art and wellbeing retreat at Kinchega National Park. The pilot program will bring together Far West women to share creative practice, walk on Country, take part in meditation and wellbeing activities, and learn about local plant knowledge and cultural connection. The project will support women to build relationships, reconnect with Country and lay the groundwork for future retreat programs.
  
  
• Rebecca Pedler will receive funding towards A Safe Haven, a sing-along picture book based on her song about the Wild Deserts conservation project in Sturt National Park. The project combines music, storytelling, literacy and science to introduce children to native animals being returned to the Far West, including bilbies and quolls. The book will support early learning, STEM engagement and local storytelling, with future readings and performances planned for childcare centres and schools.
  
  
• Textile artist Kirsten Chow will expand Holding Space, a soft sculpture installation at Slag Heap Gallery. Created using upcycled fabrics and stuffing, the installation offers a welcoming sensory space for audiences attending exhibitions, live music and community events. Kirsten will also create site-specific and music-responsive installations, adding immersive visual elements to live events while continuing her sustainable textile practice.
  
  
• Menindee’s Britny Marsden will use her grant to purchase an embroidery machine, allowing her to expand her creative practice across clothing, homewares and textile-based cultural designs. The equipment will support Britny to develop her own designs and share cultural stories through words, images and wearable art, while also creating opportunities to support other cultural artists.

West Darling Arts congratulates all five recipients and looks forward to seeing these projects come to life across the region. The Country Arts Support Program, funded by Create NSW, continues to play a vital role in supporting locally driven creative projects that strengthen community connection, cultural expression and artistic practice in Far West NSW.