Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:39:23 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx ‘Bran Nue Dae’ heads home to Broome for WA premiere http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132780 Content:

Broome will be singing and dancing when the feature film ‘Bran Nue Dae’ returns home along with the film’s stars for the Western Australian premiere on December 8, kicking off a national tour.

 

Making the journey back to Broome will be cast members Ernie Dingo, Jessica Mauboy, Missy Higgins, Ningali Lawford-Wolf and Dan Sultan, who will be joined by Broome locals Rocky McKenzie and Stephen Baamba Albert.

 

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said that after impressing audiences at film festivals in Toronto and Melbourne in recent months, ‘Bran Nue Dae’ would have its WA premiere in Broome. 

 

“’Bran Nue Dae’ is Jimmy Chi’s uplifting story about finding where you belong. In the case of Willie, the film’s protagonist, that place of belonging is Broome,” Mr Day said.

 

“The film perfectly captures the saltwater country and spirit of Broome, from hot nights watching flicks at Sun Pictures, to the long stretches of Cable Beach.

 

“The story is one that will delight people of all ages. The Melbourne audience loved it so much they voted it the festival’s most popular feature film. This is an outstanding achievement for what is now an award-winning film.”

 

The Perth-based premiere of ‘Bran Nue Dae’ will be held on December 10.

 

Roadshow Films managing director Joel Pearlman said  “Broome is not only the setting in which much of ‘Bran Nue Dae’ takes place, but as much of the film was shot there, it is only fitting that the premiere of the film - in advance of its wide national release on January 14 - takes place in Broome.  We are incredibly excited to be distributing this outstanding film and are looking forward to celebrating ‘Bran Nue Dae’ with the people of Broome on December 8.”

 

Filmed in the rugged outback of WA, this exuberant musical road movie also stars Magda Szubanski and Geoffrey Rush.  ‘Bran Nue Dae’ is directed by Rachel Perkins, produced by Robyn Kershaw and Graeme Isaac, with cinematography by Andrew Lesnie, and a screenplay by Reg Cribb, Rachel Perkins and Jimmy Chi. 

 

‘Bran Nue Dae’ will be released in cinemas across Australia on January 14, 2010.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6600
Date: 16/11/2009
Minister: Day
Portfolio: Culture and the Arts
Region: Kimberley
]]> Stratford, Pamela Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:36:36 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132780 Minister launches plans to breathe new life into Perth Cultural Centre http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132677 Content:

The area between William, Roe, Beaufort and Francis streets in Northbridge, which includes the State Library, WA Art Gallery and WA Museum, will be transformed with new cafes, entertainment, improved security, an orchard and free wireless internet.

 

Planning and Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the exciting changes for the Perth Cultural Centre over the coming weeks and beyond was part of an $11million commitment to revitalising the area.

 

Mr Day said the transformation of the centre was a key part of the Liberal-National Government’s plans to revitalise and improve safety in Northbridge.

 

“The Perth Cultural Centre is one of the largest and most strategically-located public landholdings and cultural assets in Australia and the State Government has a real opportunity to create an international drawcard for Perth,” he said.

 

“By improving the area’s amenity, increasing security and bringing more entertainment and recreational activities to the centre, the Government is making a significant move towards improving the vibrancy and appeal of Northbridge.

 

“Both the short and long-term changes we will be making to the cultural centre are designed to bring more people, including families, into Northbridge, improving its vitality and safety.

 

“With the cultural centre plans, combined with the redevelopment of the Perth waterfront and the sinking of the rail line between Perth and Northbridge, the Liberal-National Government is moving ahead on making Perth a more modern, liveable and vibrant city.”

 

Short-term improvements due to be completed by the end of the year include:

 

·             better landscaping and more seating and shade so people can spend more time in the centre as a place to relax, a meeting place and access to free wifi

·             new signage, way finding and banners

·             the first lighting upgrades and projection of art on the library walls

·             two new cafe pods in the central space providing food and beverage

·             a website for all the latest news on events and attractions

·             new performance spaces and a co-ordinated events program for the central area

·             security guards, who will work with WA Police and City of Perth rangers to patrol the area.

 

The Minister said another important part of revitalising the Cultural Centre would be continuing to attract and promote events. Some of the events being considered for next year included a major concert, photographic exhibition and art installation.

 

Mr Day said EPRA would formally take over day-to-day management of the centre and introduce immediate and longer term improvements to transform it into one of Western Australia’s most loved places.

 

EPRA was also working with the centre’s organisations - Western Australian Museum, Art Gallery of Western Australia and the State Library - as well as PICA and the Blue Room, to bring exhibits and activities outside of the buildings.

 

“A lack of co-ordinated management and maintenance has led to the Cultural Centre becoming run down and under-utilised,” the Minister said.

 

“EPRA has led an extensive consultation with stakeholders, and nationally and internationally renowned place design experts.

 

“This consultation has resulted in a short term plan to introduce some exciting changes during the next 12 months.”

 

Other improvements to be made within the next 12 months include:

 

·          a giant LED screen where people can enjoy films or screenings from the cultural institutions

·          an urban orchard at the Roe Street entrance and a native wetland in the Art Gallery ponds

·          additional temporary stalls which could be used for an ice-cream bar, cafe, ticket office, florist or a similar small retailer

·          additional feature lighting on buildings, trees and public art

·          security upgrades, including CCTV cameras and emergency phones.

 

In the longer term, changes being considered include utility upgrades, recreational equipment, retail opportunities and better pedestrian access.

 

As part of the overall commitment, EPRA is already undertaking a $6million revitalisation of William Street. Funds generated from leasing activities on William Street and the new commercial operators in the cultural centre’s central space will be reinvested back into the area for the long term future of the precinct.

 

Mr Day said he was confident EPRA, the Department of Culture and the Arts and the Perth Cultural Centre organisations would bring about real change.

 

“EPRA has a strong track record of transforming tired, run-down areas into modern, safe and popular places,” he said. 

 

“I want to invite all Western Australians, particularly families, to come down and rediscover the centre and the great learning and cultural organisations that reside here.”

 

The new Perth Cultural Centre is one of a series of urban renewal projects the State Government is delivering to revitalise Northbridge and the Perth city centre.

 

For more information visit http://www.epra.wa.gov.au

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6600
Date: 24/10/2009
Minister: Day
Portfolio: Planning;Culture and the Arts
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:37:51 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132677 Curtin director joins Western Australian Museum Board http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132664 Content:

The director of Curtin University of Technology’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies has been appointed to the Western Australian Museum’s Board of Trustees.

 

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said today that Associate Professor Anita Lee Hong would bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in both indigenous affairs and government to the museum’s board.

 

The minister said Ms Lee Hong was a prominent advocate for indigenous issues at both a national and international level, including representing Australia at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York last year.

 

“As a member of the Western Australian Museum’s Board, Associate Professor Lee Hong stands to make a considerable contribution in a number of key areas,” Mr Day said.

 

“This is particularly so as the board plans for the State’s new museum.

 

“The assistance and input from the Board of Trustees will play a crucial role in the project’s success in creating a facility that will be an international and national destination.”

 

Associate Professor Lee Hong was born in Cairns, where she spent most of her life until she moved to Perth to take up a lecturing position with the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in 2002.

 

A descendant of the Badjala and Darraba language groups located throughout Queensland, she worked in the Australian Public Service for 13 years in areas including the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, the Commonwealth Employment Service and Centrelink.

 

In 2007, having completed a Master of Human Rights Education - one of the first indigenous people in Australia to be awarded this degree, Associate Professor Lee Hong was appointed director of Curtin’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies.

 

The Associate Professor said she looked forward to the challenges presented by her new role.

 

“The State’s Museum is a diverse and complex institution and I am delighted to be a member of the Board of Trustees during a time that will no doubt prove to be one of the most exciting in the organisation’s long history,” she said.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6600
Date: 22/10/2009
Minister: Day
Portfolio: Culture and the Arts
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:35:40 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132664 Report identifies opportunities for multicultural artists http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132530 Content:

A research paper has examined issues faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) artists and how opportunities can be developed to support multicultural arts throughout Western Australia.

 

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister John Castrilli and Culture and the Arts Minister John Day today announced the public release of the report ‘Western Australia Intercultural Arts Research Project’. 

 

This report highlights the need to support artists from CaLD backgrounds in the development and presentation of their work.

 

Mr Castrilli said the multicultural arts sector was a rich source of creativity and the report provided a catalyst to raise the profile of artists from diverse backgrounds and consideration of appropriate funding and support.

 

“Multicultural arts offer WA an abundance of opportunities in areas such as cultural exchange, trade, tourism, education, community development and innovation,” he said.

 

Mr Castrilli said that despite challenges of migration to a new country, limited work opportunities in the arts, language barriers and cultural differences, a quarter of CaLD artists surveyed in the study had their art work exhibited or presented in public.

 

“A key recommendation of the report is the development of a specific policy, together with program intervention, to address the needs of artists from CaLD backgrounds,” he said.

 

Mr Day said the Department of Culture and the Arts was working closely with the Office of Multicultural Interests to promote the Liberal-National Government’s commitment to multicultural arts in the State.

 

“Through the establishment of the Intercultural Arts Working Party, the agencies are sharing knowledge and information in order to better assist multicultural artists and their work,” Mr Day said.

 

“Many of the issues highlighted in the report have been previously identified by the    Department of Culture and the Arts and resonate with concerns raised from arts and cultural sector consultation undertaken by the department as part of its recent policy development process.

 

“Through the State Government’s Substantive Equality framework, strategies will be implemented to ensure all artists, regardless of background, will have equitable access to programs and services.”

 

The research was commissioned by the Office of Multicultural Interests and undertaken by Deakin University.  The report can be found on http://omi.wa.gov.au or phone 9217 1600.

 

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister’s office: 9213 6800

Culture and the Arts Minister’s office:  9213 6600

Date: 24/09/2009
Minister: Castrilli;Day
Portfolio: Citizenship and Multicultural Interests;Culture and the Arts
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:36:47 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132530 'Cloudstreet' to be filmed in WA http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132513 Content:

The iconic Tim Winton novel ‘Cloudstreet’ will be made into a six-hour television series in Western Australia with filming due to commence in the first half of next year.

 

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day today announced that the State Government through ScreenWest had helped secure the filming of ‘Cloudstreet’ for WA through its Production Attraction Fund.

 

“This fund aims to attract high profile interstate and international screen productions to WA and we are thrilled that we are helping to bring ‘Cloudstreet’ to the screen and that it is being produced here in Western Australia,” Mr Day said.

 

“This will provide employment and development opportunities for local crew, cast, businesses and infrastructure associated with the screen industry, and will also showcase our wonderfully diverse locations and culture to an international audience.”

 

Tim Winton’s award winning novel about the Lambs and the Pickles, two working class Western Australian families, who come to live together at 1 Cloud Street, is an iconic and much loved story.

 

Commissioned and majority funded by SHOWTIME Australia, ‘Cloudstreet’ will be made into a six-hour television series, to be shown on Foxtel and Austar, produced by leading Australian production company Screentime.

 

The Minister said the script by Tim Winton and Ellen Fontana is currently being finalised, with pre-production to start in November this year.

 

“It is expected that principal photography will commence in WA in the first half of 2010,” he said.

 

“WA has a strong creative community, and I congratulate all of those that are taking part in bringing this quintessentially Western Australian story to an international audience.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6600
Date: 22/09/2009
Minister: Day
Portfolio: Culture and the Arts
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 22 Sep 2009 06:41:39 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132513 Shortlist images for situate international sculpture competition released http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132438 Content:

Images from the five finalists for situate - an international sculpture competition offering $1million for an artwork to transform Perth’s Forrest Place - have been released.

 

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the five teams invited to develop their concept designs had made their final submissions, which are now available to the public in the lead up to the announcement of the winning entry on Friday, September 11, 2009.

 

“Each of the finalists demonstrates a different artistic response to a very specific, busy and evolving Forrest Place site,” Mr Day said.

 

“Public art can transform the space in which it exists, creating a place that people choose to meet at and want to be in.

 

“When launching the situate project, I said that I would like to see a work that connects with the people and with the landscape in Forrest Place.  All five of the chosen finalists have done exactly that.”

 

Details of the work of the finalists are:

  • James Angus, artist; Doug Knox, consulting engineer; Peter Mclean, lighting designer of Sydney, Australia

The proposed artwork is a singular sculpture that occupies the centre of the forecourt.  It will be approximately 11m long and three metres wide, with a maximum height of six and half metres. It will be a genuinely three-dimensional biomorphic form, hollow-cast in aluminium and brightly painted.  Biomorphic form is a non-representational form or pattern that resembles a living organism in shape or appearance.

 

  • Fran Dibble, artist; Paul Dibble, artist; John Hardwick-Smith, architect of Palmerston North, New Zealand

A cluster of six bronze birds are perched at street level at varying heights.  People will be able to move through these forms. Another pair of bronze birds in flight rise to the south and are read against the facade of the Post Office building.

 

  • Richard Giblett, artist; Matthew Herbert, architect; Jan Vastesaeger, architect of Melbourne, Australia

The proposed artwork titled ‘Escalator Loop’ is a contemporary artwork. It is a full- scale replica of an escalator standing 13.5m tall and three metres wide. The artwork loops around, much like a roller coaster loop-de-loop.  The materials to construct the work will be those used in an actual escalator; primarily steel and glass.  It will be illuminated at night by a range of colourful sequences.

 

  • Jean-Bernard Métais, artist of Courdemanche, France

The proposed artwork titled ‘The Sun at its Zenith’ is a 35m high stainless steel leaning arrow. During the day, the cast shadow will track to the sun’s movement, sweeping across the ground in a cyclical motion.  At night, lighting in surrounding paving will suggest the constellation of the night sky.  Projectors installed inside the artwork will throw text and words on to the ground.

 

  • Dimmity Walker, architect; Michael Patroni, architect; David Walker, artist of Perth, Australia

The proposed artwork signifies the northern gateway to Forrest Place. The artwork is a steel and glass form and uses the image of an unfolded map to describe the explorations of John Forrest.  Surface imagery is derived from aerial photographs of the Western Australian landscape which is perforated into steel.  Backlit glass panels, which wrap around the form, contain references to his journeys.

 

“The quality work by the independent jury will, I am sure, have an exciting result.  It’s wonderful to see the diversity of responses by each of the finalists and I am very happy with how the competition has progressed,” the Minister said. 

 

“It has tested some new ground and will enrich the debates and opportunities for contemporary public art practice in WA.”

 

A five-person jury panel has the responsibility of judging the short-listed entries to choose a winner.  Jury chair Margaret Moore said the panel were impressed by the number and variety of the entries and the quality of presentation.

 

“Given that the process was initially anonymous, it allowed the jury to focus primarily on the concepts presented,” Ms Moore said.

 

“We were especially pleased with the diversity of approaches developed by the five finalists.”

 

More information on situate, images of the five finalists, the competition process and the jurists can be found http://situate.dca.wa.gov.au or phone 9224 7300.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6600
Date: 4/09/2009
Minister: Day
Portfolio: Culture and the Arts
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:55:49 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132438 Perth Fashion Festival takes centre stage http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132439 Content:

Western Australia’s largest fashion festival kicks off in Perth today, presenting a powerhouse of local and international models and designers. 

 

Tourism Minister Liz Constable said the six-day event included a new venue - Fashion Paramount, 53 fashion events and Foxtel’s Fashion TV, which was secured through Eventscorp funding..

 

“The festival is entering its second decade establishing itself as WA’s premier fashion event,” Dr Constable said.

 

“Last year, the festival increased its attendance levels by 50 per cent compared to 2007.”

 

Held in the City of Perth, the festival will create a vibrant and culturally-diverse hub from which spectators can experience the glamour of the fashion world. 

 

“The festival will help raise the profile of Perth’s fashion and retail sector and this year there is a strong focus on this State with more than 130 WA designers and student designers on show,” Dr Constable said.

 

“Our home-grown fashion talent will be showcasing their collections to thousands of visitors, including many from interstate and overseas.”

 

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said State Government support for the Perth Fashion Festival was important as it provided invaluable opportunities for WA’s vibrant and growing fashion industry.

 

“The opportunities are wide-reaching for the fashion industry and includes not only established and emerging designers but also fashion retailers, models, hairdressers, make-up artists, stylists and many more,” Mr Day said.

 

The State Government supports the Perth Fashion Festival through Eventscorp’s

Arts and Cultural Event  (ACE) Scheme, a scheme designed to assist in developing arts and cultural events in WA, and through funding provided by the Department of Culture and the Arts.

 

Dr Constable said that as a direct result of ACE scheme funding, the festival had secured Foxtel’s Fashion TV, the second most watched channel outside of the home, aired in 20,700 pubs, clubs and public venues across Australia, and 6,400 venues in New Zealand.

 

Other events funded through the ACE scheme included Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe, FotoFreo, the Revelation Film Festival and the Fremantle Street Arts Festival.

 

More information on designer fashion can be found at http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/programs/artform/fashion or phone 9224 7300.

 

Office of the Minister for Tourism - 9222 9699

Office of the Minister for Culture and the Arts - 9213 6600

Date: 4/09/2009
Minister: Constable;Day
Portfolio: Tourism;Culture and the Arts
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:59:32 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132439 Western Australian Cultural Achievement Awards celebrated http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132432 Content:

The State Government has recognised the success of the arts and cultural sector with the inaugural Western Australian Cultural Achievement Awards at tonight’s Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) Awards in WA.

 

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day presented the two new awards, ‘Excellence in Arts Enterprise’ and ‘Excellence in Arts Management’ at a function at Government House.

 

“The new Western Australian Cultural Achievement Awards are a result of the merging of the WA Business and Arts Partnership Awards with the AbaF Awards in WA,” Mr Day said.

 

“These awards are an opportunity for the State Government to continue to publicly recognise creativity in the management of the arts and culture sector.

 

“The industry faces many challenges so by publicly acknowledging examples of excellence, we are encouraging a more sustainable and creative industry.”

 

The ‘Excellence in Arts Enterprise’ award was presented to Community Arts Network WA (CAN WA).

 

“CAN WA’s project ‘Voices of the Wheatbelt’ enabled the community to build a cultural identity to call their own,” the Minister said.

 

“Participants of CAN WA’s project, ‘Voices of the Wheatbelt’, were able to express how they perceived their community through the self expressive, yet simplistic disciplines of song writing and photography.

 

“It is encouraging to see organisations such as CAN WA recognised for instigating social change in our community.”

 

Perth International Arts Festival general manager Julian Donaldson received the award for ‘Excellence in Arts Management’.

 

“Julian’s leadership and ability to collaborate with his artistic director and staff has been recognised through the award. With this work, the festival has maintained its reputation as a leading arts organisation,” Mr Day said.

 

“The State Government is a national leader in recognising and supporting business and arts partnerships. By being the Major Government Partner for the AbaF Awards in WA, this State continues to acknowledge the artistic success of the arts and culture sector.”

 

For more information on the Cultural Achievement Awards visit the Department of Culture and the Arts’ website at http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/awards or phone 9224 7300.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6600
Date: 2/09/2009
Minister: Day
Portfolio: Culture and the Arts
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:42:43 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132432 ‘Bran Nue Dae' bound for international prominence http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132379 Content:

‘Bran Nue Dae’ has been selected to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival,  one of the world’s biggest and most influential film festivals.

 

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said this was a fantastic achievement and opportunity for the Western Australian production, which was aided by $650,000 funding from the State Government, through ScreenWest.

 

“Only the best films from around the world get selected for Toronto,” Mr Day said.

 

“’Bran Nue Dae’ will screen in the Contemporary World Cinema program, showcasing the best of current international filmmaking.

 

“This opportunity for the film is more than just a screening.  The festival attracts more than 1,000 international media and thousands of international industry delegates.

 

“Not only is the Toronto screening great for the film, it’s also a bonus for WA tourism because ‘Bran Nue Dae’ effectively showcases Broome and the State.”

 

The Toronto screening follows on from the film’s world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival on August 8, where it was enthusiastically received as the gala closing event.

 

“As another feather in the cap for this outstanding film, the Melbourne International Film Festival has just announced today that ‘Bran Nue Dae’ has won the Audience Award for most popular feature film,” the Minister said.

 

This is an outstanding achievement for what is now an award-winning film.”

 

Producer Robyn Kershaw, of Robyn Kershaw Productions, said being selected for Toronto was crucial to the film’s international success.

 

“We hope the screening of ‘Bran Nue Dae’ at this world-class event will build on the momentum the film has already gained in the global marketplace and ignite a huge amount of passion and enthusiasm from international distributors and audiences,” Ms Kershaw said.

 

The 34th Toronto International Film Festival will be held from September 10-19, 2009. ‘Bran Nue Dae’ will have five screenings - three for the public and two reserved for media and industry.

 

Set in 1967, the film follows the adventures of Willie, a boarding school escapee, who tries to make his way back home to Broome, some 2,500km away.

 

Based on the stage musical by Jimmy Chi and Kuckles; directed by Rachel Perkins; produced by Robyn Kershaw and Graeme Isaac; and written by Reg Cribb, Rachel Perkins and Jimmy Chi; the film stars Rocky McKenzie, Jessica Mauboy, Ernie Dingo, Ningali Lawford-Wolf, Stephen Baamba Albert, with Missy Higgins and Geoffrey Rush.

 

“This WA film’s selection at these prestigious film festivals is a testament to its great story and quality production,” Mr Day said.

 

“ScreenWest is working with the producers to arrange premiere events later this year for Broome and Perth.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 6600  

Date: 20/08/2009
Minister: Day
Portfolio: Culture and the Arts
Region: All
]]> Stratford, Pamela Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:14:50 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132379 New arts and cultural fund for regional communities http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132366 Content:

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day has announced a new grants program that would provide $600,000 a year over four years for regional communities to improve participation and development in cultural and arts activities.

 

Mr Day said the ‘Looking Forward Fund’ would be one of Western Australia’s largest regional art grant programs.

 

“This program shows this Government is committed to supporting arts and cultural activities in regional WA,” he said.

 

The Minister said the funding would use pre-existing allocations to support community-based partnerships for the delivery of arts and cultural projects and initiatives developed by and for regional, rural and remote communities.  

 

“This fund will work in tandem with other State and Commonwealth funding grants such as the State Government’s Royalties for Regions initiative,” he said.

 

“The ‘Looking Forward Fund’ has been developed by the Department of Culture and the Arts in collaboration with Regional Development Commissions.

 

“The ‘Looking Forward Fund’ will encourage and stimulate strong and diverse regional cultural and arts projects and lead to social and economic benefits for communities and artists.

 

“Even in the current economic climate, this Government is not withdrawing from any pre-existing arts funding commitments, which is confirmed in the 2009-10 State Budget.”

 

Mr Day said that funding proposals would need to be well planned, include collaborative partnerships and present opportunities for creativity and engagement with arts and culture.

 

Submissions will be accepted in two stages. The first will be an expression of interest that will require a brief outline of the proposed cultural activity and the benefit or value to the community.

 

The second stage will be for short-listed applicants who will be eligible to receive financial support to expand their idea into a fully developed program plan for consideration in May 2010.

 

All applications to the ‘Looking Forward Fund’ will be assessed by a panel of regional and industry experts and with input from Regional Development Commissions.

 

For more information on the ‘Looking Forward Fund’ visit http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/lookingforwardfund or for other DCA arts grants programs visit the Department of Culture and the Arts’ website http://www.dca.wa.gov.au  

 

Minister's office - 9213 6600
Date: 18/08/2009
Minister: Day
Portfolio: Culture and the Arts
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:14:15 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132366