Regional Victorian communities will attract the best performances and live events to their towns thanks to a new Andrews Labor Government program to strengthen regional touring in more places across the state.
The Small Regional Presenters program will be available to support regional arts presenters – including not for profit arts groups and societies, venues and local councils – to present professional arts events and experiences in their communities.
“Arts touring brings significant benefits to towns, to communities and to artists and Victoria has a strong history of regional tours by major companies as well as independent artists,” said Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley. “Small Regional Presenters supports the presenters working on the ground in each region. These presenters know each community’s needs and character and can program shows that resonate locally.”
Grants of up to $15,000 will be available to support the presentation of a single show or live event, a series of shows or an annual program. It provides a focus on the other end of the touring cycle by supporting regionally-based arts groups and venues to attract shows to their area.
Small Regional Presenters builds on existing programs that support Victorian arts companies and producers to embark on regional tours, and is part of the Labor Government’s $20 million Regional Arts Package, delivered in the 2015/16 Victorian Budget.
Funding will be offered through three grant rounds in 2016-17, and community presenters seeking to apply must be members of Regional Arts Victoria. Applications to the first round of the Small Regional Presenters program is now open, and closes 5.00pm Wednesday 16 November 2016 – for shows taking place from 31 January 2017 onwards.
For more information, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Balance – a new work commissioned by the Australian Children’s Theatre Foundation – presented by Regional Arts Victoria in 2016