25/10/05
Regional Western Australians will have access to performing arts productions following the announcement of a $1.4million funding package by the State Government.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister John Bowler and Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said the funding would allow theatre, orchestra, opera and ballet productions to tour the regions for the next four years from 2006.
“This is great news for not only people living in regional areas, but visitors alike who will get greater access to high quality arts performances,” Mr Bowler said.
“The funding will give country people the opportunity to experience a wider range of arts events and develop their own sense of cultural identity.
“Our Government recognised the importance of arts in regional WA and country people should not miss out on benefits city dwellers experience simply because of geography.”
Ms McHale said the program would see regional touring by the WA Symphony Orchestra, Black Swan Theatre Company, WA Ballet and WA Opera.
“It also means the major companies can plan ahead and not be constrained by having to wait on year-to-year funding submissions,” she said.
The Ministers said the funds would be administered through the Department of Culture and the Arts and the Department of Local Government and Regional Development.
“An important component of the funding is the delivery of educational programs by the major arts companies which will include workshops and performances for schools and remote regional communities,” Ms McHale said.
General Manager of the West Australian Opera Carolyn Chard said the initiative would allow performances to be specifically tailored for regional areas.
"It is a fantastic initiative which will allow the work of major arts companies to be taken to many parts of the State over the next four years,” Ms Chard said.
Office of the Minister for Culture and the Arts - 9213 6900
Office of the Minister for Local Government - 9213 6500
