Support for art in Regional Victoria will get a boost in the next Victorian State budget with $20 million for regional arts and creativity. It is a four-year package that will secure continued investment in around 40 galleries and performing arts centres across regional Victoria. One interesting development (see below) is the plan for a new touring strategy that will tour exhibitions from the NGV and Heide, and will apparently be separate to NETS Victoria (though the details are not yet clear). The funding will also spotlight a specific region each year.

The full press release is here.

From the press release:

The programs will be delivered by Creative Victoria and funded through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. The $20 million package also includes:

• A new touring strategy, bringing to regional Victoria major exhibitions, performances and programs from leading arts organisations such as the National Gallery of Victoria, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne Theatre Company and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
• Support for significant and long-term creative projects and residencies that connect regional community groups, councils and businesses with professional artists to develop local skills, including the continuation of the successful Small Town Transformation
• The Full House pilot program, which will support five regional performing arts centres or galleries to develop and deliver a two-year intensive audience engagement strategy to build local audiences.
• The development of a Regional Centre of Culture program, a year-long arts and cultural celebration that will shine a spotlight on a particular Victorian region, attract tourism and deliver a lasting legacy.

The Regional Centre of Culture program will develop new local content reflecting the region’s strengths, creativity and unique flavour, complemented by a range of high quality experiences and programs from outside the region. The first Regional Centre of Culture is expected to take place in 2018.