Regional restaurants, theatres, golf clubs, historic houses and community halls are set to become arts venues thanks to the latest round of grants through the Victorian Government’s Small Regional Presenters program.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley has announced more than $65,000 in grants through the Small Regional Presenters program to help local community groups and arts councils bring a range of performances to their area.
“Our creative state extends far beyond our major cities to regional centres and small towns across Victoria,” said Minister Foley. “The Small Regional Presenters program ensures that those in regional Victoria have access to the best creative experiences right on their doorstep.”
“This round will bring an exciting range of performances and workshops to regional communities and will ensure that no matter where you are in our state – an incredible creative experience is never far away.”
The 12 recipients include groups from some of Victoria’s tiniest communities including Cororooke, Bena and Ruffy, who will present performances ranging from comedy and cabaret to opera and Bollywood music and dance. Several performances include community workshops where students and local art lovers will have the opportunity to meet with artists and learn new skills.
The Small Regional Presenters program is open to regionally-based arts presenters – including not-for-profit arts groups and societies, venues and local councils. Grants of between $1,500 to $15,000 are available to support the presentation of a single show or live event, a series of shows or an annual program.
Unlike a traditional touring model which provides support for artists to take their work on the road, the Small Regional Presenters program breaks new ground by supporting venues or presenters who are ‘on the ground’ to attract shows to their area.
The Small Regional Presenters program opens for applications three times each year. For more information about the Small Regional Presenters program, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: The Pacific Belles
Small Regional Presenters Grant Recipients
Red Rock Regional Theatre and Gallery, (Cororooke), $6,000
For the presentation of the first half its 2018 theatre season including the Hit Productions show Pearl: The Janis Joplin Story.
Charlton Arts Inc, (Charlton), $6,900
For the presentation of the 2018 Café Culture Series at the Charlton Golf Club. Shows will include: Pacific Belles, a musical celebration of songs from the 1940s; the cabaret performance Red Dress & the Sugar Man; Dr Crask & His Swingin’ Elixir Band; and Parvyn Singh’s A Night of Bollywood. Four accompanying community workshops, including workshops for schools, will also be presented to coincide with performances.
The Sound Doctor Presents Inc, (Anglesea), $3,094
For the presentation of a performance by contemporary folk artist Leah Senior, supported by local act Forever Son at the Anglesea Memorial Hall in November 2017.
Bena Hall Committee Inc, (Bena) $6,420
For the presentation of the 2018 Café Culture Series at the Bena Hall. Shows will include: Pacific Belles, a musical celebration of songs from the 1940s; the cabaret performance Red Dress & the Sugar Man; Dr Crask & His Swingin’ Elixir Band; and Parvyn Singh’s A Night of Bollywood.
Bass Coast Shire Council, (Grantville) $6,000
To present Serenade at Sunset, a musical theatre and opera event at the Grantville Recreation Reserve coordinated by the Bass Valley Music Festival. Held in March 2018, the event will feature tenor David Hobson and four supporting acts as well as local performers. The event will also include voice and performance workshops, and mentoring opportunities for local talent.
Charlton Community Theatre, (Charlton) $7,500
For the presentation of series of shows in the first half of 2018 that will celebrate the Rex Theatre’s 80th anniversary, including the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow.
Gippsland Acoustic Music Club, Inc, (Tyers), $2,500
Presentation of a five show program in 2018 at Tyers Hall. The program will include performances from the 2018 Café Culture Series: Pacific Belles, a musical celebration of songs from the 1940s; the cabaret performance Red Dress & the Sugar Man; Dr Crask & His Swingin’ Elixir Band; and Parvyn Singh’s A Night of Bollywood. The program will also include Totally Gourdgeous, a performance featuring music played on instruments made from gourds, accompanied by an instrument making workshop.
RuffArtZ, (Ruffy), $8,060
Presentation of the 2018 Café Culture Series at Ruffy Hall. The program will include Pacific Belles, a musical celebration of songs from the 1940s; the cabaret performance Red Dress & the Sugar Man; Dr Crask & His Swingin’ Elixir Band; and Parvyn Singh’s A Night of Bollywood. Four accompanying workshops will also be presented as part of the program.
Yea Arts Inc, (Yea), $12,140
Presentation of a program of shows and workshops through the Bringing the Arts to Yea program. The program will include Le Petit Mort, a comedy cabaret that reimagines a 1940s radio drama and will be presented at Beaufort Manor; Pacific Belles, a musical celebration of songs from the 1940s; the cabaret performance Red Dress & the Sugar Man; Dr Crask & His Swingin’ Elixir Band – with an accompanying music workshop; and Parvyn Singh’s A Night of Bollywood which will include an Indian dance workshop for local school students.
Arts Council of Mansfield Inc, (Mansfield) $1,695
To present a performance by contemporary folk band Mel Taylor and The Sunchasers at Bos Taurus during Mansfield’s annual Spring Arts program. (29 October 2017)
Wangaratta Arts Council Inc, (Wangaratta), $3,185
Presentation of the 2018 Café Culture Series at the Vine Hotel in Wangaratta North. The program will include Pacific Belles, a musical celebration of songs from the 1940s; the cabaret performance Red Dress & the Sugar Man; Dr Crask & His Swingin’ Elixir Band; and Parvyn Singh’s A Night of Bollywood. Four accompanying workshops will also be presented as part of the program.
Indigo Shire Council, (Beechworth) $2,755
To bring the acclaimed classical guitar duo, Grigoryan Brothers to Beechworth for a day of activities at the historic Burke Museum this November. The program will include a day time concert, instrumental workshops for students from Beechworth Secondary College, and an evening concert including an opportunity for the community to meet the artists.