Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Friday, May 08, 2009

JOINT FUNDING TO ENRICH QUEENSLAND REGIONAL ARTS

Premier Anna Bligh and Australia Council for the Arts Chairman James Strong AO today announced a new partnership between the Queensland Government and the Australian government that will provide joint funding of $1.5 million over three years for two initiatives: Regional Stages and Regional Writing.

“The Australian government and Queensland Government are working together to deliver quality arts programs that will empower local Queensland communities to create, present and tour new artistic work,” Ms Bligh said.

“Regional Stages, with funding of $900,000 over three years, will create a stronger local arts industry by placing an arts producer in three regions to develop partnerships between the community, local artists and national and international practitioners.

“Regional Writing, with funding of $600,000 over three years, will engage with regional Queensland communities to develop quality writing.

“We will invite the members of Northern Australian Regional Performing Arts Centres Association (NARPACA) to put forward proposals to host Regional Stages.

“Local communities will then be invited to participate in the development and presentation of new work. Through the NARPACA circuit, one of Australia’s largest professional touring circuits, there is also the potential for the productions to tour,” Ms Bligh said.

Ms Bligh said Regional Stages was the first initiative from the Queensland government’s new touring strategy Coming to a Place Near You: Touring Strategy for performing arts in Queensland 2009-2014.

“The touring strategy puts forward new knowledge and ideas about touring and addresses today’s demographics and the expectations of communities,” Ms Bligh said.

Australia Council Chairman James Strong said the two projects are made possible by the Federal government’s Creative Communities Partnerships Initiative, which is providing $10 million over four years for arts projects created by communities.

“Both of these projects will help develop ongoing partnerships and inspire new collaborations between local government, local industry, the community, and emerging and established creative practitioners,” Ms Keele said.

Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Australia Council Andrew Parker 02 9215 9020 or 0402 936 466

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