PM Transcripts

E6MB. AOGOO: P M FRIDAY 21 DECEMBErR 1973 Press Statement No. 166
21 December 1973
AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR THE ARTSGRANTS
FOR CRAFTSMEN
The Prime Minister, Mr. Whitlam, has approved grants
totalling $ 199,481 for the crafts.
The grants, which cover all States, were recommended
by the Crafts Board of the Australian Council for the Arts.
The Chairman of the Crafts Board, Mrs. Marea Gazzard,
said that the grants were an expression of the Government's
interest in the crafts as a means of enriching the quality
of life for a broad range of people.
Mrs. Gazzard said that the growth of the crafts in
recent years has been remarkable, especially in the involvement
of young people, who found satisfaction in the use of traditional
skills as an alternative to a mechanized way of life.
On the other hand, good craftsmanship was the basis of
good industrial design, which was vital to Australia's
export industry. other countries had invested heavily in
building design skills, and Australia was just beginning to
realise their potential.
Among the grants is one of $ 6,000 to Greg Smallman of
Newcastle, a classical guitar maker. Formerly a motor
mechanic, his concert guitars have been described by leading
musical authorities as " equal to the best in the world".
Working under difficulties including a lack of air-conditioning
for his small workshop, he has nevertheless produced instruments
eagerly sought by leading players. one of his guitars will be
presented to Alirio Diaz, the celebrated concert guitarist, when
he tours Australia in February.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.
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