Latest arts grants support Victorian creativity

BIFB13_Angie TurnballFrom puppetry to poetry, physical theatre to literature, sculpture and children’s events, Victoria’s creative sector has been boosted with the latest round of arts grants announced today by Minister for the Arts Heidi Victoria.

Announcing more than $810,000 to support 60 new creative projects, programs and events, Ms Victoria said the Arts Victoria grants will provide career development opportunities for Victoria’s artists while providing a wealth of new experiences for art lovers across the state.

“Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s arts capital extends well beyond our iconic arts venues and major events,” Ms Victoria said.

“Our state is also a centre of ideas and creativity – fuelled by independent artists and small arts organisations working across all art forms. These latest grants reflect this diversity and will provide some extraordinary arts experiences for audiences of all ages.”

Grant recipients include individual artists such as author Sofie Laguna and choreographer Jacob Boheme; events such as the Ballarat International Foto Biennale and Natimuk’s multi-arts festival Nati Frinj; and organisations such as Westside Circus and acclaimed theatre group Rawcus Theatre Company, which will create a new theatre work featuring performers with and without disability.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to investing in our cultural sector and ensuring that Victorian creativity is given the opportunity to flourish,” Ms Victoria said.

“I congratulate the grant recipients and look forward to their projects coming to fruition in the year ahead.”

Ms Victoria said the funding round was the last to be made through Arts Victoria’s Arts Development Program. The development and presentation of new creative works will now be supported through the new VicArts grants program, announced as part of the 2013-14 State Budget.

To view a full list of grant recipients, click here.

Image: photo by Angie Turnball (courtesy of Ballarat International Foto Biennale)