News | Boost for Victoria’s Regional Galleries and Performing Arts centres

The recently re-opened Horsham Regional Art Gallery

The recently refurbished Horsham Regional Art Gallery

The Victorian Government seems determined to buck the federal trend of cutting arts funding by providing support for the arts across the state. Last week the state government announced funding for 90 independent arts companies (including organisations such as CCP that lost federal funding earlier in the year). Today, the Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, announced funding for regional galleries across the state, saying ‘We want to ensure that all Victorians – no matter where they live – have the opportunity to unlock their creative potential and experience the benefits of creative activity. We are supporting some of our oldest art galleries and theatres alongside recently established and redeveloped cultural centres. Funding ensures these venues maintain their place at the heart of community life.”

See the full press release below.

Regional Victoria will benefit from a major investment in the state’s extensive network of regional art galleries and performing arts centres.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley today announced $10 million over the next three years to 33 arts venues across regional Victoria through Creative Victoria’s Regional Partnerships programs.

This boost will ensure access to high quality arts and cultural experiences for communities across the state, increasing employment and tourism opportunities in regional Victoria and enable regional cultural facilities to leverage further investment and income.

Seven of the venues will receive support to encourage more families throughout regional Victoria be part of their work. This new program will see venues work closely with small Victorian communities to give locals a greater opportunity to experience the arts.

Providing creative opportunities for young people is a strong focus, with Ballarat Art Gallery to host activities for toddlers and their parents and Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery to run creative workshops for local young people.

Ararat Performing Arts Centre will host a Hip Hop Festival that will bring local young people together with professional artists, and Ballarat’s Her Majesty’s Theatre will create an interactive audio experience for primary school students to explore the history, and imagine the future, of Australia’s oldest purpose-built theatre.

In Bairnsdale, audiences will go behind the scenes at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub for workshops that explore the art of putting on a performance. Bendigo residents that speak languages other than English will be invited to a series of interpreted workshops, tours and talks that explore the gallery’s extensive collection.

Mildura Arts Centre will use its grant to partner with local tertiary arts students to create music, dance and performance works as well as exhibitions, sound and light installations that will transform the arts centre.

More information regarding successful recipients can be found at http://creative.vic.gov.au/News/News/2016/10_million_boost_to_arts_and_culture_in_regional_Victoria

 

 

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