Twelve small towns across regional NSW will play host to professional theatre, cabaret and children’s shows thanks to a new NSW Government arts support program.
Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the inaugural program will provide $22,500 to support five organisations to tour their work to 12 regional community run venues. “These grants are helping community presenters bring high quality NSW productions to their local halls or clubs, which might otherwise not be financially viable,” said Mr Grant.
“We are extending the reach of our professional artists and giving people access to entertaining and professional arts experiences no matter where they live in regional NSW. I’m delighted too that some performers will reach beyond the stage to further engage with locals.”
“Performance photographer William Yang will facilitate workshops in towns of the North West and Six Quick Chicks touring to two towns near Mudgee, will invite a local performer to join them as part of the production.
Supporting arts and culture in regional NSW is a priority under the Government’s Create in NSW 10-year policy framework, which guides strategy, investment and partnerships to grow a thriving, globally connected arts and cultural sector. The Community Presenter Touring Grants program – for individuals or organisations presenting performances at community-run venues – is administered by Arts on Tour on behalf of Arts NSW.
2016 Arts NSW Community Presenter Touring Grant Recipients include:
Arts North West touring photographer William Yang’s The Story Only I Can Tell to Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Barrana and Nundle in the New England North West region. Mr Yang will be performing and facilitating workshops on how locals can similarly tell their own unique stories ($7,500).
Coffs Harbour City Council touring Everybody Loves Lucy to Lowanna and Woolgoolga, a professional production directed by Helen Dallimore ($2,500).
South East Arts touring Oh God I’ve Been Kidnapped and I Hate What I’m Wearing to Eurobodalla, Candelo and Cooma in the Bega Valley region, an edgy two-hander made in regional NSW performed by Kate Smith and Drew Fairley ($5,000).
Producer Narelle Lewis touring Six Quick Chicks to Gulgong and Kandos near Mudgee, a cabaret with Lucy Suze Taylor and Jude Bowler (from Mudgee) with a local performer in each town invited to join them ($5,000).
Cootamundra Creative Arts touring Monkey Baa Theatre Company’s children’s production Josephine Wants to Dance to the Tin Shed Theatre in Cootamundra, as part of the company’s regional Australian tour ($2,500).
For more information, visit: www.arts.nsw.gov.au for details.
Image: William Yang’s The Story Only I Can Tell