Liberal National Government funds $25,000 ticket subsidy
Festival marks 20th birthday with inaugural regional tour
After a highly successful pilot program last year, the Liberal National Government - through the Department of Culture and the Arts (DCA) - is supporting families to attend 2016 AWESOME festival events through a $25,000 ticket concession initiative.
Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the 2015 AWESOME Festival sold 871 subsidised tickets to shows and provided 706 free wristbands to The West Australian Activity Zone at the Perth Cultural Centre.
"The AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things is already popular and ticket concessions for health care and pension card holders will encourage even more families to attend," Mr Day said.
"This extends the reach of these unique arts experiences that inspire and entertain young people, while supporting their learning and development."
A festival highlight will be the premiere of New Owner by emerging theatre company The Last Great Hunt, whose previous productions included the multi-award winning The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer and It's Dark Outside.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the 2016 festival would take part of its program to families and schools in regional Western Australia.
"With assistance from the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program, the State Library of Western Australia and DCA, the inaugural AWESOME Festival Regional Roadshow will visit Bunbury and Merredin from October 16-24," Mr Redman said.
"The roadshow will include eight performances of The Bookbinder by Trick of the Light Theatre and the Better Beginnings Books-To-Go program, which is a partnership between AWESOME Arts and the State Library."
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said the festival was also supported with $5,000 from the Office of Multicultural Interests' Community Grants Program.
"This will fund a series of free lunchtime community concerts showcasing the talents of a group of young multicultural musicians," Dr Nahan said.
Fact File
The 2016 AWESOME Festival runs until October 14, 2016
$221,004 core funding for the festival is provided by DCA and Lotterywest
The country tour received $26,639 from the Regional and Remote Touring Fund
Culture and the Arts Minister's office - 6552 6200
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister's office - 6552 5700
