Million dollar boost to Victorian regional arts and touring

Betty Sargeant The Playground AARArt and theatre lovers in regional Victoria have a million reasons to celebrate, with the Victorian Government’s latest round of grants providing support for a range of tours and programs across the state.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley has announced more than $1 million in grants to attract flagship organisations to regional areas. It will support local groups to present shows in local venues and strengthen performing arts in regional Victoria.

“Whether it’s in big cities or a small regional town – creative activities make places more liveable, boost tourism and create jobs for artists, organisations and local arts workers,” said Minister Foley. “This funding will strengthen regional creativity – supporting major organisations to take their work to regional areas and community groups who are passionate about their local arts scene.”

State Library Victoria, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Wheeler Centre have received support to extend their footprint across the state through events, exhibitions, workshops and performances in regional areas over the next two years.

Nine artists and companies will share in grants totalling $328,697 through the Touring Victoria program. Tours include performances by Circus Oz and Melbourne Ballet Company, and a digital and real-world project that will invite the Ararat community to participate in a mass creative treasure hunt.

Grants have also been provided through the Small Regional Presenters program, which supports local community groups and arts councils to attract and curate performances in their communities. Eleven regionally-based groups in towns such as Cororooke, Stratford, Tongala and Yarck have received support to bring performing arts events to local stages and unusual spaces including the Charlton Golf Club, Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre and the National Vietnam Veterans Museum in Phillip Island.

The latest round of support for regional touring and activities has been made possible through the Government’s $20 million regional arts package – a four year commitment to the regional arts sector announced in the Victorian Budget 2015/16.

The next round of the Small Regional Presenters and Touring Victoria programs will close in August 2017. For more information including program guidelines & eligibility, and a full list of the latest grant recipients, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.

Image: The Playground – courtesy of Betty Sargeant