Bendigo’s CreateAbility was granted $10,000 while Kyneton’s Vocal Ranges will receive $5800.

Nine other projects each received funding from the second round of the Regional Arts Fund.

CreateAbility’s production No Hands will use the funds for its performances at the Castlemaine State Festival next year and its Bendigo show that will be performed at the Ulumbarra theatre.

No Hands is based on short story The Driver by Isak Dinesen. 

Set in an Islamic culture in a timeless past, the production uses very little language and, instead, relies on physical movement and gestures combined with visual images and film.

CreateAbility was established in 2002 by Golden City Support Services and is a mixed ability company that gives people with disabilities the opportunity to do something in the arts industry.

Golden City Support Services community development officer John Willis said the funding news was exciting for the group.

“This grant helps us present our work at the Castlemaine State Festival and in Bendigo next year,” he said.

“We have already got funding through Creative Victoria for the development of work. 

“It makes a huge difference. It has allowed us to take things to a much greater and more professional level.” 

CreateAbility has produced work at the past two Castlemaine State Festivals.

“It is great to again be a part of the (state festival) season. It is also exciting to be performing at Ulumbarra (next year) with the audience on the stage,” Mr Willis said.

“Arts is a great way for people with a disability to be recognised for what they can do and to be able to contribute something that other people value. 

“We have been working with Capital Venues and Events for the last year in Old Fire Station. That residency has allowed us to do all of this.” 

The Regional Arts Victoria funds will also help put together Rising Voice as part of Kyneton’s Vocal Ranges. 

Rising Voices is a 160-voice choir that will perform at the May festival. It will feature ARIA award winner Kavisha Mazzella and be conducted by Polly Christie.

Director of Regional Arts Victoria Esther Anatolitis said funding went to an impressive range of projects.

“(They) reflect the depth and the diversity of artistic practice throughout Victoria,” she said. “This Regional Arts Fund round supports work across theatre, music, dance, digital media and cross art-form collaborations by many emerging and Indigenous artists.”