From classic Australian theatre to cutting edge contemporary art, a diverse selection of shows will hit the road next year, thanks to the Victorian Coalition Government’s Touring Victoria program.
Minister for the Arts Heidi Victoria has announced over $550,000 in grants which will support twelve arts touring projects expected to take in more than 45 regional Victorian and outer metropolitan locations throughout 2015.
“Victoria is well and truly a state of the arts. Our fantastic networks of regional galleries, performing arts centres and other venues make for a robust touring circuit,” said Ms Victoria. “This means that audiences across Victoria have the opportunity to experience a diversity of great visual art, theatre and music.”
The latest projects include a range of art-forms and will provide something for audiences of all ages and tastes and include:
- Garry Ginivan Attractions’ Stripey…The EGGScellent Adventures of an Emu Chick, a new musical for children and families based on the acclaimed Australian picture book series by Wendy Binks;
- Gertrude Contemporary’s From the Collection, a special program of collaborative exhibitions in regional galleries with alumni from the Collingwood-based arts space as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations;
- Melbourne Chamber Orchestra’s program of classical music performances, including A Little Night Music, Henessy’s Beethoven and Souvenir de Florence; and
- Ilbijerri Theatre’s tour of Beautiful One Day, a play telling the story of Palm Island from the perspective of the local Aboriginal community.
Ms Victoria encouraged regional arts lovers to keep a look out for these and other Touring Victoria-supported tours in their local area.
“The Napthine Government is committed to ensuring all Victorians can enjoy the best of the arts, wherever they live,” Ms Victoria said. “By supporting touring activity we open up a wealth of cultural experiences for audiences across the state, while at the same time enabling our artists and arts companies to extend the reach of their work and develop their careers. It’s a win-win.”
For more information, and complete list of funding recipients, visit: www.arts.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Ilbijerri Theatre Company’s Beautiful One Day – photo by Ponch Hawkes