Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced the funding in Kandos on Tuesday – while also announcing $1.1 million for the reinstatement of the Kandos to Rylstone rail line.

“The funding will support the Cementa Festival in Kandos and assist in delivering a program of residencies, workshops, internships, forums and special projects throughout 2018,” Mr Toole said.

“I am proud that within a regional area both artistic and theatrical pursuits are supported and fostered, and look forward to seeing what is delivered again next year.”

Cementa is a bi-annual contemporary arts festival, that brings together artists from urban and regional contexts for a four day celebration of the state of contemporary art in Australia.

Cementa organiser Alex Wisser described the funding boost as, “good long term support”.

“It means we will be able to build, to keep going and not have to start from scratch every year,” he said.

“We’re actually, at the moment, going to change our structure from being a community run organisation to having a board and become a little bit more professionalised.”

“We’re looking to expand the festival and to grow it, but also extend its future and make sure it’s around for a long time.”

Mid-Western Regional Council deputy mayor Paul Cavalier said Cementa is an excellent event and $100,000 will go a long way.

“It already generates a lot of tourism and brings a lot of people to the area, so obviously it would have a huge economical benefit,” he said.

“It’s really good stuff, any money we can get – we’ll take it.”