Developing strategies to promote, grow and foster greater participation in arts-related activities by Indigenous people within the Many Rivers region (NSW South Coast) is the main focus of a new partnership developed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board (ATSIAB) of the Australia Council. ATSIAB has signed a new partnership agreement with the Many Rivers Regional Council (MRRC) of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), aimed at establishing a framework for a co-operative approach between both agencies. 'The agreement establishes a framework for joint planning, better co-ordination and collaboration between our organisations, [which] are keen to also identify and commit to effective joint funding arrangements,' ATSIAB Chair Dr Richard Walley commented. Chairperson of the MRRC, Jimmy Budd, has noted that the partnership will focus on improving outcomes for Indigenous artists in the region. 'It will assist with the production of works of art for public display and sale, the development of arts skills, such as management, planning and marketing, as well as the recognition, promotion and presentation of Indigenous arts,' he said. Drawn from the MRRC Policy and Regional Plan and from the ATSIAB policy goals, the joint planning and pooled funding arrangements will see each of the partners contribute $50,000 to an 'Arts Development Small Grants Program', for the 2002/2003 financial year.