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 has announced $10 million over the next three years to 33 arts venues across regional Victoria through Creative Victoria’s Regional Partnerships programs.
“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,” said Minister Foley. “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. These venues make a significant economic and social contribution to their communities, their regions and to our creative state.”
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 the Art Gallery of Ballarat 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.
For more information, and the list of successful recipients, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Michelle Hamer’s There are no Words currently on display at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery