Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC, has announced over $2 million in funding to bring music, theatre and other arts experiences to regional and remote Australians.
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, welcomed the Australian Government’s funding for performance arts to tour in regional Australia.
“$340,783 will be provided to Circus Oz to bring the show But Wait…There’s more to 15 venues across Victoria, NSW and the ACT,” Mr Coulton said.
“Opera Australia will receive $418,131 to take their show The Marriage of Figaro to 21 venues.
“Both of these organisations will bring high-quality arts to venues in regional Australia, inspiring audiences and local artists, and building community spirit.
The Minister for the Arts said “the demand for high quality, vibrant arts extends beyond the borders of our capital cities, and support for regional tours helps to meet that demand. The Australian Government’s regional touring programs bring works from leading performing arts companies to regional audiences, showcase local talent and draw communities together.”
Festivals Australia and Playing Australia will support regional tours of 24 innovative arts projects and activities.
Festivals Australia will support a mix of 18 small and large projects to be presented at regional and remote festivals and helps cover the costs of producing and presenting an arts activity at festivals in regional and remote Australia.
Mr Coulton said that Moogahlin Performing Arts will receive $77,680 for a multi-artform site specific performance project in the ‘Festival of Baiame’s Ngunnhu’ at Brewarrina.
With funding of $1.4 million from Playing Australia, Circus Oz, Tasdance, Opera Australia, Arts on Tour, Critical Stages and the Queensland Theatre Company will take to the stages of 80 regional and remote locations across Australia.
Playing Australia helps cover the costs associated with a national tour, including freight, transport, accommodation and travel allowances, enabling performances in locations where it would not be economically viable without government support.
For the full list of recipients visit www.australiacouncil.gov.au.
